Seven students from Fort Smith Public Schools have been named 2023 National Merit Semifinalists
Seven students from Fort Smith Public Schools have been named Semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit® Scholarship Program by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
One semifinalist is not listed at their request.
● Myles Flanders, Southside High School
○ Daughter of Dudley and Tanya Flanders
● Lucas Jackson, Southside High School
○ Son of Dr. Audra and George Jackson
● Jackson Miller, Southside High School
○ Son of Lisa and Howard Miller
● Tu Nguyen, Southside High School
○ Daughter of Van Bui and Hung Dai
● Zain Rana, Southside High School
○ Son of Dr. Javed Rana and Sara Bibi
● David Rotaru, Southside High School
○ Son of Dr. Dumitru and Lidia Rotaru
There are approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Flanders, Jackson, Miller, Nguyen, Rana and Rotaru will have an opportunity to become finalists, continuing in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
Dr. Tony Jones, Director of Secondary Education, said “Congratulations to Myles Flanders, Lucas Jackson, Jackson Miller, Tu Nguyen, Zain Rana, and David Rotaru. I would also like to extend a congratulations to each parent, teacher, and administrator that had an influence in shaping such great students. Becoming a National Merit Semi-Finalist is a huge accomplishment, and I look forward to seeing what great accomplishments thesestudents can have for years to come!”
“I am so very proud of these students. Their performance on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a testament to their work ethic and the efforts of their teachers. I am excited about the possibilities that the National Merit Scholarship process will present each of them. We will continue to provide these students with
the support they need to be successful as they continue this pursuit,” said Mr. Jeff Prewitt, Southside High School Principal.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalists’ 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, and write an essay.
National Merit Scholarship winners of 2023 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.
