A dozen Mercer Island High School students were named semifinalists in the 2011 National Merit scholarship program. The names were officially released today. These semifinalists now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, which will be offered next spring.
They are: Steven J. Adler, Elizabeth J. Chang, Kevin M. Chung, Tyler S. Cox, Nicholas L. Goelz, Kathleen Guinee, Eleanor H. Hildebrandt, Haley M. Lepp, Jennifer M. Stewart, Alyssa N. Suhm, Andrew A. Wingerson and Miriam E. Zawadzki.
Other Mercer Island students who were also named as semifinalists include Ben Boyle and Michael Orehek, of Eastside Catholic High School; Benjamin Blumstein, a senior at Lakeside School; and Grace Williams, who attends The Bush School.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to 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 win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
National Merit Scholarship winners of 2011 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.
Winners wanted
If you know of other Islanders who were a National Merit finalists at other schools in the area please let us know.
Send your name and school to rmar@mi-reporter.com. The story will be updated with names and schools as they are received.
