Homewood High School Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

Homewood High School Students Earn National Recognition

Homewood, AL – Homewood City Schools is celebrating a remarkable achievement as 13 Homewood High School students have been named National Merit Semifinalists. This prestigious honor was part of an announcement made on September 11, 2024, with the students qualifying from a pool of over 16,000 semifinalists nationwide.

The students recognized are Emma Berthiaume, Luke Binet, Margo Brandrup, Alejandra Briceno, Charles Chewning, Colton Cox, Samuel Ernest, Foster Laird, Emma Levering, Ruby Reeves, Reece Teter, Oliver Trolard, and Chandler York. Their designation as National Merit Semifinalists is a result of their exceptional performance on the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Community Pride

Dr. Justin Hefner, the Superintendent of Homewood City Schools, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of these students. “We are beyond proud of these students for achieving such a prestigious honor. They have worked hard and aimed for excellence in their studies, and have set the bar high,” he stated in a news release. “We are excited to see what the future holds for each of them as we know they will continue to achieve great things.”

Pathway to Scholarships

As Semifinalists, these young scholars have the opportunity to advance in the competition for approximately 6,870 National Merit Scholarships valued at nearly $26 million. To qualify for these scholarships, the students must meet additional requirements to move from Semifinalist to Finalist status, which is necessary for them to be considered for scholarship awards.

Importantly, a Semifinalist can only advance to the Finalist level and compete for a Merit Scholarship within a single program year. Typically, about 95 percent of Semifinalists are expected to achieve Finalist status, and around 50 percent of those Finalists will ultimately win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar®.

Educational Impact

The recognition of these students not only highlights their individual hard work but also reflects the commitment to academic excellence within the district. The achievement of multiple National Merit Semifinalists is a source of pride for the school and the community, showcasing the district’s efforts in providing quality education and resources.

Looking Ahead

With the potential for scholarships on the horizon, these students are expected to continue striving for success in their academic endeavors. This honor sets a strong foundation as they prepare for future challenges, including college admissions and scholarship opportunities.

The announcement has not only sparked celebration among students and faculty but has also encouraged other students within the Homewood community to pursue academic excellence and aspire to similar achievements.

As the community watches these talented individuals progress, all eyes are on the upcoming results when the Semifinalists transition to Finalists and hopefully emerge as National Merit Scholars.