The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
In April, NMSC identified the 50,000 highest scorers on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) last October.
More than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the high scorers are designated Commended Students on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index qualifying score that may vary from year to year. Although Commended Students will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some may be candidates for Special Scholarships offered by corporate sponsors.
The other I6,000 high performers - representing less than 1% of the nation's high school graduating seniors - will qualify as Semifinalists on a state representational basis. Only Semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the Merit Scholarship® competition and advance to Finalist standing by meeting a number of additional requirements.
The following SCCPSS students have received recognition:
Jenkins High School:
Milena Bringman – Commended
Jackson Dearmey – Commended
Kevin Dong – Commended
Jorge Millan Merchan – Commended
River Stanley – Commended
Savannah Arts Academy:
Trey Collins - Semifinalist
Woodville-Tompkins Technical & Career High School:
Kayin Myles - Commended
