Two Bend students named National Merit semi-finalists

Two Bend-La Pine Schools’ students have earned top academic recognition as National Merit Semi-Finalists. Susan Garcia, of Bend Senior High School, and Henry Rogers, of Summit High School, are among 165 students in Oregon to earn this prestigious distinction from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

“We are tremendously proud of these two students and their accomplishments and commitment to academic excellence,” said Superintendent Shay Mikalson.

Of the 1.6 million high school students who took the Preliminary SAT (PSAT), 16,000 ‑ about 1 percent ‑ are recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. The nationwide pool represents the highest scoring entrants from each state.

Finalists from this group will be selected in February. To become a finalist, the semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarships, which will be announced in the spring of 2018.

For more information about the program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.