National Merit semifinalists

The following local students have been named semifinalists in the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards worth $34 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.

Apex High: Amanda L. Carey and Noah M. Fontes.

Athens Drive High: John M. Castro-Rappl.

Cary High: Christine Dragonette, Yuen Ho, Sheehan Moore, Jennifer S. Schafer and Melissa R. Wagner. Green Hope High: Paul R. Anderson, Joseph Bruner, Brittany D. Corbin, Chelsea E. Garber, Nicole A. May, William A. Schlieper, Kimberly C. Scott and Casey Shi.

Middle Creek High: Terry M. James and Nicolette M. Rossmell.

Cary Academy: Elizabeth Atkins, Ben Goldhaber, Andrea Green, Max Hamilton, Corey Lerch, Michelle Luo, Charlotte Morgan, David Thorstad, Robert Thorstad and Diana Woodall.

Cary Academy scholarship nominees

Seniors Jackie Lee and Anna Morris are Cary Academy’s nominees for the Park Scholarship at N.C. State University. Max Hamilton and Rachel Park are the school’s nominees for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Park Scholarships Selection Committee evaluates candidates based on scholarship, leadership, service and character.

The Morehead-Cain Foundation seeks candidates based on leadership, scholarship, moral force of character and physical vigor.