September 14, 2012

Special to The Catholic Telegraph

      Forty-nine students in Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese have been named semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship this year.

     Each year, the National Merit Scholarship recognizes academically talented seniors across the United States. In order to become a semifinalist, students must demonstrate superior academic achievement, a dedication to service, and a strong leadership abilities. More than 1.5 million students applied for the scholarship, and 16,000 were chosen as semifinalists.

“The fact that 49 of our students received this honor is tremendous” Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg said. “Our schools are well represented among the semifinalists this year.”

Several Catholic high schools in the greater Cincinnati and Dayton area are represented amongst the semifinalists. For decades, high school students in the Archdiocese have always been among those chosen as National Merit Scholars, a truly prestigious honor.

       “This accolade truly displays the high quality of our Catholic high schools,” Rigg said. “We truly do a great job of preparing young people for college and success in life.”