19 Solon High Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

SOLON, OH — Nineteen Westlake High students have been named National Merit Semifinalists.

“This year’s senior class will face many different challenges than the classes that preceded them,” Solon High School Principal Erin Short said. “This news is just one indication that the Class of 2021 is up to the challenge. Everyone at Solon High School and in our entire community is very proud of the accomplishment of these students.”

The 19 Solon High students named as National Merit Scholar Semifinalists for 2021 are Jay Akkul, Mairi Ashton, Christian Blue, Alan Han, Anushree Jakate, Michael Kong, Rebecca Liebson, Jimmy Lin, Alex Luo, Macarah Morgan, Zihao Qing, Wesley Shen, Sneha Srikanth, Matthew Wilson, Emily Ye, Sanem Yenibahar, Catherine Yu, Amy Zhang, and Rachel Zhang.

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.