Mercer Island High School student Alexander L. Mesher is the recipient of a National Merit $2,500 scholarship.

The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit $2,500 scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors.

These scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Mesher indicated that his probable career field is marine biology or environmental science.