3 Avon Lake High Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

AVON LAKE, OH — Three Avon Lake High students have been named National Merit Semifinalists.

"These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring," the district said in news release.

Meet this year's National Merit Semifinalists from Avon Lake:

John “Jack” Fazio, 17

• Hobbies: Photography, running, swimming, coaching swimming
• Potential college(s): Miami University (Ohio), Ohio State University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Vanderbilt University, University of Virginia
• College major(s): Microbiology, Statistics/Data Science
• Parents: Stephen and Jennifer Fazio

Emmet Fink, 17

• Hobbies: Golf, tennis, playing and listening to music
• Potential college(s): Ohio State University
• College major(s): Mathematics, education
• Parents: Doug and Elise Fink

Grace Osoteo, 18

• Hobbies: Singing, playing guitar, D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) and video games, and reading
• Potential college(s): University of Michigan, Duke University, Carnegie Mellon University, Yale University, San Diego State University
• College major(s): Double majoring in music theater and undecided
• Parents: Mark and Julie Osoteo

More than 1.5 million students annually apply for National Merit Scholarships. When students take the PSAT they are automatically entered into the fray. Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors become semifinalists.

Only 16,000 students earn National Merit Semifinalist distinctions annually. Semifinalists can become Finalists and compete for $30 million in scholarships.