The National Merit Scholarship Program recently named five Shelby County students as National Merit Finalists.  These high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the 2015 competition for scholarship awards worth more than $33 million.  The first round of scholarships will be announced starting in April.

The five students named as National Merit Finalists include: Christopher Robinson – Chelsea High; Alexander Candelaria-Fouse – Oak Mountain High; Andrew Davis – Oak Mountain High; Nathan Holt – Oak Mountain High; and Sujin Powers – Oak Mountain High. 

National Merit Finalist standing requires an outstanding academic record throughout high school; endorsement and recommendation by the school principal; earned SAT scores that confirm student’s earlier performance of scoring in the top one percent nationally on the qualifying test (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test – PSAT/NMSQT); a detailed scholarship application, which includes student’s self-descriptive essay and information about participation and leadership in school and community activities.

Nathan David Ledbetter of Oak Mountain High School was a National Merit Semi-finalist and Jack Emerson and Matthew Tindal of Oak Mountain High School were named National Merit Commended Students for scoring in the top five percent nationally on the PSAT.

In addition to being a National Merit Finalist, Nathan Holt has also been recognized as a United States Presidential Scholar Candidate.  The Presidential Scholar Program recognizes 141 of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.  These scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement, or because they demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts.  Presidential Scholars Finalists will be named in May.

These students will be honored during the Super Scholar’s of Shelby County awards night to be held March 10 at 6:00 p.m. Helena High School. The district will also honor Advanced Placement Scholars, PSAT Scholars, PLAN Scholars, ACT College and Career Readiness award winners, and the 2015 Top Valedictorians from each high school.