Parsippany High Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

PARSIPPANY, NJ — How's that for a way to start the new school year? Two Parsippany High School students were named National Merit Scholar semifinalists.

Daniel Y. Gao and Tyler H. Tran joined about 16,000 students around the nation who earned the accolade. Everyone selected has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million.

About 15,000 students are expected to advance to the finalist level. But each semifinalist and a school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes the student's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. Students will learn in February whether they became finalists.

Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships worth $2,500. 2022 winners will get announced from April to July. All in all, more than 362,000 students have earned the title of Merit Scholar.

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