Local students place as semifinalists for National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship program Tuesday, including 15 local students from Daniel Boone High School, Science Hill High School and University School. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be offered next spring, according to a press release from the corporation. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. Finalist decisions are based on academic records, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment as well as honors and awards received. They must also have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed or recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn qualifying SAT or ACT scores. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2027 will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July. Semifinalist from Johnson City and Washington County school districts include: Daniel Boone High School Francisco, Atticus W. Williams, Lucas N. Science Hill High School Bushell, Sean Li, Sunny O'Neal, Allie Patel, Arnav Patel, Ashin University School Drewry, Alexandra Gellert, Lucia Margalit, Lily Puzniak, Karsen Ramachandran, Ruchika Stahl, Zaharia Truss, Alexander Young, Julia