OSSM announced that nine of its 46 seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship program. 

The OSSM students are Christian F. (Owasso), Wesley H. (Mustang), Jacob M. (Edmond), Krish M. (Edmond), Aaron P. (Edmond), Adrian P. (Edmond), Andrew Z. (Stillwater), Billy Z. (Lawton) and Andrew Z. (Edmond). Not in the photograph: Jacob M. and Andrew Z.

Selection as National Merit Semifinalists is based on performance on the PSAT test, which is taken at the beginning of a student’s junior year, the first year of attendance at OSSM. 

“Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is a significant achievement for a high school student,” said OSSM President Tony Cornforth. “We congratulate our seniors and acknowledge their home high schools that helped them prepare for this challenging test. We also wish them continued success as they complete the process to become a Finalist.”  

To qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist, students must score in the top 1.25 percent of the nation and in the 99th percentile in their state on their junior year PSAT. 

 These academically talented high school seniors can continue in the competition for 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 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 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to reach Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.