Seven Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2022 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

They are: of Creekview HS, Justin Bolsen, Callahan “Cal” Pace and Benjamin “Ben” Webster V; of River Ridge HS, Rachel G. Kim; of Sequoyah HS, Riley Hartman and Wesley Lanter; and of Woodstock HS, Leo Blatnik.  Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors earn the title of National Merit Semifinalist. 

“Congratulations to these outstanding students for earning this significant academic achievement,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “I know it took years of hard work and dedication to reach this level, and that your families, teachers and schools join me in celebrating you.  We’re all incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you advance in this competition, in your education and your many future successes.”
    
They will be honored by the Cherokee County School Board and Dr. Hightower at the School Board’s October meeting.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation oversees the prestigious competition, and today named 16,000 semi-finalists, who were chosen from 1.5 Million students based on exceptional 2020 PSAT scores.  

For the next level of competition, the students will complete an application detailing academic achievements, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors; an endorsement and recommendation from a high school official; and an essay.  Students must additionally have earned SAT scores that confirm their PSAT performance. 
 
National Merit then will announce the 15,000 finalists, who will compete for 7,500 scholarships worth about $30 million to be awarded in the spring.
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