District Sets Another Record with National Merit Semifinalists

Published September 14, 2022

Williamson County Schools students are once again making history. Seventy-nine WCS students were named National Merit Semifinalists, beating the district's previous record of 72 set in 2021.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the Semifinalists Wednesday, September 14. Of the 1.5 million students to enter the program, only around 16,000 receive this honor. In 2020, the district had 52 Semifinalists, and in both 2018 and 2019, WCS had 53.

"I just want to congratulate all the students and commend them on their hard work," said Superintendent Jason Golden. "This accomplishment will open many doors, and we are very proud of these Semifinalists and their teachers and staff who have helped them along the way."

High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Any Semifinalist who has been selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist will be notified in February. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and their high school must submit an application including information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and any honors and awards they received.

"The foundation for this type of success really starts in elementary school and builds upon itself all the way through high school," said WCS Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Dr. Leigh Webb. "We are so proud of the success of our students with this most recent achievement."

The Merit Scholarship winners will then be chosen from the Finalists.

Congratulations to the National Merit Semifinalists listed below: