Five Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2021 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

They are: of Cherokee HS, Dylan Iovino; of Creekview HS, Nathan Davis; of Etowah HS, Ben Willett; of River Ridge HS, Nicholas Audinet; and of Sequoyah HS, Jeremy Jeong.

“Congratulations to each of these outstanding students, their families and their teachers!” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “This is a significant academic achievement that comes after many years of hard work and dedication, and we’re incredibly proud of their success.  We look forward to seeing them advance in the competition, as each is deserving of this honor and more.”

They will be honored by the Cherokee County School Board and Dr. Hightower at the School Board’s meeting this month through a virtual recognition.

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 2019 PSAT scores.  Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors earn the title of semifinalist. 

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 7,600 scholarships worth about $30 million to be awarded in the spring.
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