Roman Morris, a Forest Lake High School senior, has been named a semifinalist in the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Morris joins 16,000 high school seniors from across the country in competing for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards, worth $34 million, that will be offered next spring.

Morris’ high score on the Pre-SAT exam, which is the qualifying exam for the merit program, earned him the semifinalist title.

To become a finalist, semifinalists are evaluated on their academic record, school principal recommendations, and SAT scores.

The semifinalist and a school official must also submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes the student’s self-descriptive essay and information about his/her participation and leadership in school and community activities.

About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners, earning the Merit Scholar title.

Top of Page