Eight seniors from Huntsville City Schools have been selected as National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists for 2021. Approximately 16,000 students out of over 1.6 million were selected across the U.S. as Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The Semifinalists selected represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and will have a chance to compete for over 7,600 scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered in the spring of 2021.
The Semifinalists from the district are Samantha Abercrombie, Franscine Garcia, Ian Mackenzie, and Jessica Smith from Grissom High, Zachary Barbre, Ardis Haskell from Huntsville High, Henry Lemley from Jemison High, and Ruby Krasnow from New Century Technology High.
HCS College Counselor Sheri Crigger says that “these students are ones that we know will go on to achieve great things.” She added “this recognition represents over a decade of work from not only the students, but their teachers, school staff, and family.”
Students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Qualifying Test. To become a Finalist, each candidate and their school must submit a detailed application that includes records of academics, school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, along with any employment, honors, and awards received. Out of the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, around 90% will likely advance to the Finalist level.
