This year, four Maine West High School seniors have the honor of being named National Merit Scholarship semi‑finalists.

The four, Sue Sciez, Curt Henrich, Kathleen Degenhardt and Janet Schug, were among 15,000 outstanding students to compete for the scholarships on the national level.

In order to qualify as a semifinalist, the student must obtain a high score on the National Merit Qualifying Test (NMSQT). This test was given last February to 665,000 students in high schools across the country.

Students who qualify as National Merit semi‑finalists constitute less than one percent of the graduating seniors in high schools across the nation.

"We are extremely proud of the achievements of these young people, and I would like to congratulate them as I am sure their parents have," commented Mr. Rider.

The semi‑finalists can become finalists by receiving the endorsement of their schools, providing information about their achievements and interests and by substantiating their National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test on a second examination. Scholarships will be awarded next spring.

National Merit Scholarship tests are designed to test the student's ability to reason with fact. A student must be a United States citizen and plan to attend an accredited college, to reach eligibility. A student must also enroll in a course leading to a baccalaureate degree.

The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test will be administered Tuesday, October 24, to members of the junior class.