EIGHTEEN LA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALIST COMPETING FOR $24 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS
September 19, 2024  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

–NMSC scholarships are awarded to 11th grade students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, skills, and potential for college success–

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, which included 18 catholic students in six catholic high schools (Archdiocesan and Private) in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The high school juniors are competing for a share of nearly $26 million in scholarships that will be offered in the spring of 2025. Students are awarded based on their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

“Congratulations to our National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists,” said Paul M. Escala, Senior Director and Superintendent Department of Catholic Schools. “Reaching this level of academic competitiveness reflects their determination and commitment to advancing their academic achievement. We pray for their continued success in reaching the finalist round and ultimate success in their post-secondary studies.”

Over 1.3 million 11th graders in approximately 21,000 high schools across the United States have taken part in the rigorous academic competition where they will vie for the opportunity to become finalist and secure scholarships. The students have taken the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

The first category is the National Merit $2500 Scholarships, where every finalist competes for one of 2,500 scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis. The second category consists of corporate-sponsored scholarships, with about 770 awards given out by 130 corporations and business organizations. Lastly, college-sponsored scholarships are offered by approximately 150 colleges and universities, providing about 3,600 awards for finalists who choose to attend the sponsor’s institution. In February 2025, the finalists will be notified, and approximately half of them will go on to receive scholarships from three distinct categories.

These 18 exceptional students have demonstrated their academic prowess and are now one step closer to becoming National Merit Scholarship winners. The winners will join the esteemed group of past Merit Scholars, totaling nearly 382,000 individuals. This year’s semifinalist include:

Since 1851, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have been committed to educating, inspiring, and supporting students within a vibrant, Christ-centered community. With 250 schools in three counties –Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara– the Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the largest Catholic school system in the United States. Students learn passionately, serve faithfully, and grow toward their highest potential. To learn more about the Department of Catholic Schools visit https://lacatholicschools.org

 

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