Twelve CHS students have been announced as National Merit Semifinalists. Approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program were named this year.

• Koray S. Akduman
• Luka S. Bassnett
• Madeline Blatt
• Pablo J. Buitrago
• Josephine E. Gillette
• Jack L. Hansell
• Rami Helmy
• Grace N. Homann
• Danika Li
• Mason A. Petrofsky
• William C. Redington
• Saida C. Robles-Razzaq

The academically talented high school seniors who are named have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

The mission of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC's scholarship programs are:

• To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular
• To shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education
• To stimulate increased support from individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent