Congratulations to Derby High School seniors Carson Griffin, Isabella Nikolova and Audrey Thompson on being named National Merit Semifinalists!

To qualify, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year. Semifinalists represent the highest scorers in each state, with the number of students selected being proportional to the state’s percentage of graduating seniors nationwide. This year, less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors have achieved this distinction.

The semifinalists now have the opportunity to compete for advancement to the finalist stage. This process includes submitting a detailed application highlighting their academic record, participation in school and community activities, employment history, honors, awards and demonstrated leadership abilities. About 95% of semifinalists are expected to advance to finalist status, and approximately half of these finalists will go on to win one of around 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, totaling nearly $26 million, which will be awarded next spring.

“I am extremely proud of these three students and the well-deserved recognition they have received for their academic achievements,” Gretchen Pontious, Derby High School Principal said. “Their success is a reflection of their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.”

Let's give them a hand! #DerbyProud