Students advance as finalists in National Merit Scholarship Program

National Merit Scholarship

Seneca Valley seniors Lucas Boyle, Alexander Kim and Shivani Umesh have been named finalists in the 69th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program held by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

“Lucas, Alexander and Shivani have advanced to the semifinalist stage of the National Merit Scholarship, placing them among the top 15,000 high school seniors nationwide,” said Seneca Valley Senior High School Principal Mr. Bob Ceh. “Recently, we were informed of their progression to the finalist round, where they have the opportunity to vie for finalist status in this esteemed accolade. Each of these students is currently tackling a rigorous course load that demands their utmost dedication, and they are excelling in their endeavors.”

These SV standouts are three of approximately 15,000 finalists and will now advance to the next level of the program where they have the opportunity to earn National Merit Scholarships and, ultimately, the Merit Scholar® title.

Mr. Ceh added, “I am very proud of all three students and wish them the best as they continue their journey through the selection process.”

About 1.5 million juniors in more than 21,000 high schools entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

“I am excited to receive this honor, but it is the potential for me to give back in the future that excites me more,” said Mr. Kim.