3 Lakewood High School Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

LAKEWOOD, OH - Two Lakewood High School students have been named National Merit Semifinalists.

Seniors Ian Bell, Rachel Daso and William Horschke achieved the designation. These students earned scores on the PSAT taken in their junior year that was among the highest in the state and qualified them as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. The number of semi-finalists varies from state to state, as the number selected is proportional to the percentage of the total number of graduating seniors in each state.

The three Semifinalists will continue in the competition to become National Merit Scholar finalists by fulfilling several additional requirements in the coming months. First, they must attain an SAT score that confirms their achievement on the PSAT qualifying test. They must also demonstrate a record of outstanding academic performance throughout high school and be endorsed and recommended by their high school principal. In addition, the students and school officials must complete a detailed scholarship application that includes a student essay and information about their participation and leadership in school and community-based activities.

In addition to LHS’ three Semifinalists, seniors Evan Suttell and Rhianna Zuby were named National Merit Commended Scholars for placing among the top 5 percent of PSAT participants. Although these Scholars will not continue in the Scholarship competition, students named Commended Scholars have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program.

Image via Lakewood Schools (From left to right: Rachel Daso, Ian Bell, and William Horschke)