Florida's Top Scholars Recognized as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

DOE Press Office (850) 245-0413

Florida's Top Scholars Recognized as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Tallahassee, Fla., Sept. 12, 2012 - Hundreds of high school students throughout Florida joined approximately 16,000 students nationwide today who were named as semifinalists for the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit Scholarship Corporation officials recognized high school seniors with the highest scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test who met published program participation requirements. Semifinalists are now eligible to compete for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million.

"I am extremely proud of our students' academic success and pleased that Florida is well represented in the number of students selected as national semifinalists," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "These students have proven they are ready to tackle the demands of postsecondary education after they graduate from high school."

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship Award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to become a finalist. The semifinalist and their school must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes the student's academic record throughout high school, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and honors and awards received. The student must also be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT scores that confirm the earlier performance on the qualifying test. Finalists are selected based on exceptional skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is a not-for-profit organization established in 1955 to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program. The scholarships honor the nation's scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence. For more information, visit National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Florida's 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists. (PDF, 188KB)