Perry Hall Student Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

PERRY HALL, MD — A Perry Hall High School student has been named a 2022 National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. Getting selected as a semifinalist is the first step in securing a scholarship in the competitive program.

Tiffany T. Shum of Perry Hall High School was one of three students in Baltimore County Public Schools who were named semifinalists by the National Merit Corporation this week.

The two others were from Towson High School — Jacob Fey and Yousse Tewala.

These students are among some 16,000 national semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

"These students represent the potential we see every day in all of our students, in all of our schools," Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said in a statement.

"Recognitions such as this inspire all members of the BCPS family to set and reach higher goals," said Williams, who thanked the "teachers, families and administrators who taught, challenged and supported them."

About 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth $30 million will be awarded in 2022.

Students were entered into the competition as juniors by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT.

Finalists will be announced sometime in February, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. About 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to finalist standing.

To be considered as a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application with information about the student's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

The semifinalist must demonstrate an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and write an essay. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Over half of the finalists will win National Merit Scholarships.

Finalists can win three types of National Merit Scholarships:

• $2,500 scholarships
• Corporate scholarships
• University scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation's own $2,500 Scholarships will be awarded to 2,500 students on a state-representational basis.

Around 1,000 corporate-sponsored scholarships will be provided by about 220 corporations and business organizations for students who meet their criteria. Corporate scholarships typically go to the children of employees or students who live in the community where the corporation is based.

University scholarships are granted by the school the student will attend. Around 180 colleges and universities are expected to fund about 4,000 awards for finalists who will attend their school.

The winners of the scholarships will be announced in waves from April to June.

Patch editor Mark Hand contributed to this report.