Marian Central student named National Merit semifinalist

Principal Charles Rakers of Marian Central Catholic High School has announced that Marian student Theresa Reckamp of Harvard was named among approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

This academically talented high school senior has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards, worth $33 million, that will be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must advance to the finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several requirements.

About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners, earning the Merit Scholar title.

Established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Program, the National Merit Scholarship Corp. is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance.

The nationwide pool of semifinalists, which represents less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes scoring entrants in each state.

Approximately 15,000 semifinalists will advance to the finalist level, and it is from this group that all Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen.

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.