On Wednesday, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists for the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. One of those students is Abigail Kacmarynski of Hillcrest Academy.

Over 1.3 million high school juniors entered the scholarship program by taking the Preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Kacmarynski, along with the other semifinalists, represent less than one percent of current seniors who scored the highest in each state. To become a finalist, qualifying students must submit a scholarship application including their academic record, involvement in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership skills, employment, and other honors or awards.

These more than 16,000 semifinalists are competing for approximately 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million. Finalists will be notified in February, and from there, winners are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

NMSC is a non-profit organization that operates without government assistance. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 320 business organizations and higher education institutions. Their goal is to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence. Scholarships will be awarded beginning in April.