Seniors Hailey Green and Christopher Watson turned months of preparation into major recognition this fall, earning the title of National Merit Semifinalists and placing them among the top one percent of students nationwide.
The program began in 1955 and continues to recognize students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership and community involvement. Semifinalists represent the top scorers in each state, and only a small percentage advance to become finalists. Many universities offer scholarships or automatic admissions benefits to students who reach this level, making recognition both an honor and a valuable opportunity for further education.
The National Merit Scholarship program takes PSAT, SAT scores and other factors into consideration and awards scholarships accordingly. For some students it is a way to show that they’ve worked hard. Green stated, “It represents something that I’ve been working on for a long time… It’s like proof of what I worked for my entire high school career.”
The scholarship requires a high score in the PSAT, which is a typically underrated test. However, Watson talks about the importance of the PSAT saying, “People undervalue the importance of the PSAT, but the scholarship is a pretty easy test compared to the SAT and ACT, so I feel like studying just a little bit can definitely get a good score.”
Having positive role models were also a game changer for both students. Green mentioned that her parents were her main role models. While Watson looked to teachers like Sarah Aiken.
Aitken, a Precalculus and Algebra 2 teacher, helped Watson get the scholarship, “I reminded him every single day to fill out his paperwork, and do his stuff, and told him it was a big accomplishment.”
Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is something to be proud of. It shows what can happen when students stay motivated and never give up on their goals. Green and Watson’s hard work is an inspiration to others, proving that effort and determination can lead to amazing achievements and opportunities.
