These scholastically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards, worth $33 million, that will be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements and advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners, earning the Merit Scholar title. NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was founded in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Program. Scholarships awarded through the program are underwritten by NMSC's own funds and approximately 500 business organizations and higher education institutions which share NMSC's goals of honoring the nation's scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

The following students have been announced as semifinalists: Thomas, Aaron J., Landmark Christian School; Bartels, Brett K., Our Lady Of Mercy; Loeffler, Benjamin H., Fayette County High School; Hicks, Daniel G., Hollister, Adam T., Masuyama, Kento, Singhapakdi, Kanya, Trinquero, Paul M., Starr's Mill; Parker, Sarah J., Heritage School; Fratto, Allison C., Rice, Christopher M., McIntosh; Patel, Tarun D., East Coweta; Long, Melanie E., Sandy Creek.