Seneca High School’s own Emma Moore, William Medina and Michael Goos were named as semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955.
High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year.
To participate in the program, a student must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of the high school program and no later than the third year in grades nine through 12, regardless of grade classification or educational pattern.
They must be enrolled as a high school student — traditional or home-schooled — progress normally toward graduation or completion of high school, and plan to enroll full time in college no later than the fall following completion of high school
They also must be a citizen of the United States or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident.
The program ensures that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool by designating semifinalists on a state-representational basis.
In early September, about 16,000 students of the 50,000 high scorers are notified they have qualified as semifinalists.
NMSC provides scholarship application materials to semifinalists through their high schools.
“I was really surprised when Mr. (Principal Jeff) Spector presented this award to me, and it feels like a huge honor,” Moore said. “I’ve worked really hard all through high school, so it’s really nice to be recognized, especially on a national level.”
Seneca’s academically talented high school seniors will now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition, or finish in the top 2.2 percent of all Americans, as Moore pointed out.
Moore was still able to record a remarkably high score on this test even while dedicating much of her time to being an active member of the National Honor Society, student government, Girl Scouts and buddies club.
Along with being recognized for a very high score from the program, Moore, Medina and Goos received district-wide recognition on the LRHSD app and Seneca website.
“It’s also something to add to my college applications!” Moore said.
She plans on majoring in applied mathematics and minoring in economics or finance during her college days.
Medina plans on going to the University of Texas, Austin, and major in mechanical engineering after his high school days are up.
Goos could not be reached for comment.
