Five Redwood students were recently named National Merit Semifinalists by the College Board.

Seniors Giorgio Cico, Margaux Garcia, Jacob Mates, Shauna Perigo, and Kenan Perry were selected based on scores they received on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October of their junior year.

Around 16,000 seniors across the country were named Semifinalists in the 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 1.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year, according to the College Board website, and Semifinalists represent about the top one percent of scorers in their state. Semifinalists have the chance to become finalists if they meet certain requirements and can possibly earn one of the 7,600 National Merit Scholarship awards distributed annually.

Additionally, about 34,000 students nationwide will be named National Merit Commended Scholars. Commended Scholars are selected based on a national standard that is typically below the Semifinalist level. A list of Commended Scholars will be released at a later date.