Every year, the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is administered in high schools across the United States. For students in the 11th grade, the test serves as way for them to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. Out of last year’s juniors, 23 qualified to become a National Merit Semifinalist.

This year has the most semifinalists in the high school’s history. Advanced Academics Coordinator Shelly Holmes says it’s extremely difficult to become a semifinalist without a good foundation in English and math.

“I think the number of semifinalists we have this year indicates that our teachers and students are doing an exceptional job of working together on academically rigorous tasks,” Holmes said.

If a student becomes a finalist, they have an advantage with universities and are eligible to receive scholarship money from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which gives almost $44 million to students across the country.

“For the students, qualifying as semifinalists has a lot of benefits,” Holmes said. “Some colleges will offer scholarships based on semifinalist qualification alone, regardless of whether the student becomes a National Merit Finalist.”

For senior Kenzie Tommaney, the distinction is important toward her future regarding scholarships and applying for colleges.

“I’m just really proud, and it’s a big honor to have,” Tommaney said. “I was just really excited and relieved when I learned that I did get it.”

The school has been trying to improve students’ scores every year, and Holmes says that the amount who became semifinalists this year shows the amount of work both students and teachers have put in.

“It’s just being honored in a way that I didn’t expect to be,” senior Gage Clow said. “It’s like being appreciated for working as hard as I am.”