By Megan Parman

Klein ISD Communications

The Exchange

Seven Klein ISD students were named 2020 National Merit® Scholarship Program Semifinalists yesterday in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, ranking in the top one percent of all U.S. high school seniors.

The Semifinalists are Emma Swanson, Jasmine Vonk, and Andy Zhou from Klein High School; Francis King from Klein Cain High School; Hannah Phillip from Klein Collins High School; and Rodrigo Brandao and Abigail Reed from Klein Oak High School.

Over 1.5 million juniors in nearly 21,000 high schools in the U.S. entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screening of entrants.

In the coming months, they have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. This includes a detailed application outlining the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received, as well as an essay, additional test scores, and an endorsement from a school official.

We are so proud of our Semifinalists, and we are cheering each of them on!

Source: https://news.kleinisd.net/2019/09/12/seven-klein-isd-students-named-merit-semifinalists/