Graduating seniors at Fayette County High and McIntosh High are among the 2,500 students nationwide receiving National Merit Scholarships.

Jennie K. Lee (Fayette) and William S. Kearney (McIntosh) will both receive a $2,500 Merit Scholarship to help offset college expenses. Jennie plans to major in medicine/public health; William is planning a career in academic anthropology. Both Jennie and William are valedictorians at their respective schools.

National Merit Scholarship winners in each state are judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. A committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors selected the winners.

Applicants were evaluated on their academic record, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay describing interests and goals and the recommendation written by a high school official.