Senior Landen Brechting was recently named a Semifinalist in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship program.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced over 16,000 Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. These academically talented high school students will compete for nearly 7,000 scholarships worth about $26 million, according to a Sept. 10 news release.
The annual competition is for high school students planning to attend college that have taken the PSAT. Last year Jenison High School had two Semifinalists, Bomin Koo and Hope Eriks.
To compete for National Merit Scholarships, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several additional requirements. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title, the release states.
Brechting said he was excited to find out about the designation and that this scholarship would definitely help him make college a reality.
He plans to pursue a degree in information technology, most likely with a cybersecurity focus. Brechting said he is considering schools such as Grand Valley State University, Northwood University, and Michigan State University.
National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced starting in April, joining nearly 390,000 other Merit Scholars honored since the program began.