NMSC officials, on Wednesday, announced the over 16,000 semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They now have the opportunity to compete for some 7,250 scholarships worth almost $28 million next spring.

The two FBCA Semifinalists are Seniors Lynley Pace and Julia Yang. 

While the program does not measure the "quality or effectiveness" of education within a school, system, or state, it honors those students who show "exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies," according to an NMSC news release.

Graham Traylor, FBCA Director of College Counseling, is very proud of these students and their wonderful accomplishment. 

"Congratulations to Julia and Lynley on such an incredible accomplishment. I am excited to support them as they go through this prestigious, but intensive, process. This honor is affirmation of the intellectual ability we see in these two students every day on our campus, and they have a chance at exceptional opportunities for their time after FBCA through this program," Traylor said.

The semifinalists, now seniors, entered the program as juniors in high school by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Nationwide, they represent less than 1% of high school seniors and include the highest-scoring entrants from each state.

"Scoring well on the PSAT was proof to me that praying in between every single section really does work!," Lynley Pace, FBCA Senior and National Merit Semifinalist said.  "I’ve always wanted to be a National Merit Semifinalist, and I can’t believe I’ve finally achieved it."

According to the NMSC release, "To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

"A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student's earlier performance on the qualifying test," the release states.

More than 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to finalists. They will be notified in February. Scholarship winners will be selected from the group of finalists based on their skill level, accomplishments, and potential for success in college. Winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases from April to July 2023.

Congratulations Lynley and Julia!