Eight students from Maine West have been selected as National Merit Semifinalists. This is more than last year, when there were six, and more than Maine West has had in many years. According to Mr. Coburn, no school that he knows of has eight National Merit Semifinalists.

Students who qualified as National Merit Semifinalists are Susan Blessing, Salome Clayton, Mike Dsida, Steve Hodges, Yvonne Pytlik, Sue Rieck, Vince Schultz, and Doug Strand. Scores from the PSAT test, which is what the contest is based upon, ranged from a composite score of 210, to 193. The top math score was a 74. For the verbal score, it was 71.

According to Principal James Coburn, "Students selected as National Merit Semifinalists are a reflection on their community, their family, and their school. They have worked hard, and the results were among the best in the nation. I look for great things from these students, both in Maine West, and, as leaders after they leave here."

All students may take the PSAT, a test which is a preparation for other college exams, such as the American College Test, or the Scholastic Aptitude Test. This year's juniors will take the test on Oct. 24. Registration is $3 and should be payed in the bookstore by Oct. 20. It will be an outstanding achievement if the Class of '80 can equal or surpass that of the Class of '79.