Eight Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts students were named National Merit Semifinalists for the 2019-20 academic year by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.
The National Merit Scholarship Corp. announced the names of the Semifinalists for the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program on Wednesday. The students who are all members of the Class of 2020 will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth about $31 million that will be offered next spring.
The ASMSA seniors named Semifinalists are:
• Yoo-Jin Ahn of Jonesboro;
• Ronan Devlin of De Queen;
• Tristan Eoff of Little Rock;
• Carson Hardin of East End;
• Jason Hoang of Hartman;
• Howard Orlina of Little Rock;
• Emily Smith of Cabot; and
• Haven Whitney of Searcy.
“We congratulate these students for their exceptional accomplishment, and we wish them the very best as they work through the National Merit Scholarship Program's rigorous process,” said Stuart Flynn, dean of academic affairs at ASMSA. “This achievement offers them a learning opportunity that can become a springboard to an extraordinary senior year and the many possibilities beyond.”
To be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as a junior. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of anticipated graduating seniors.
Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist standing, including a detailed scholarship application that includes information about a Semifinalists academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.
Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. It was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Scholarships are underwritten by the corporation with its own funds and by approximately 400 business organizations and higher education institutions.