From Staff Reports

The National Merit Scholarship Program recently named five Shelby County Schools students as National Merit finalists. These high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the 2015 competition for scholarship awards worth more than $33 million. The first round of scholarships will be announced starting in April.

The five Shelby County students named National Merit finalists are Christopther Robinson, Chelsea High School; Alexander Candelaria-Fouse, Oak Mountain High School; Andrew Davis, Oak Mountain High School; Nathan Holt, Oak Mountain High School; and Sujin Powers, Oak Mountain High School.

National Merit finalist standing requires an outstanding academic record throughout high school, endorsement and recommendation by the school principal, high standardized testing scores, a detailed scholarship application including a descriptive essay and information about involvement and leadership in school and community activities.

In addition to being a National Merit finalist, Holt was also recognized as a United States Presidential Scholar Program candidate. The Presidential Scholar Program recognizes the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. These scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement, or because they demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. Presidential Scholars finalists will be named in May.

Nathan David Ledbetter of Oak Mountain High School was a National Merit semifinalist. Jack Emerson and Matthew Tindal of Oak Mountain High School were named National Merit commended students for scoring in the top five percent nationally on the PSAT.

These outstanding students will be honored during the Super Scholars of Shelby County Awards Night at Helena High School at 6 p.m. on March 10. The district will also honor Advanced Placement Scholars, PSAT Scholars, PLAN Scholars, ACT College and Career Readiness award winners and the 2015 Top Valedictorians from each high school.