On Feb. 16, Plano Independent School District (Plano ISD) announced that 66 of its students achieved the prestigious status of finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Selected from a staggering initial pool of 1.6 million students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), these 66 finalists represent an elite group of approximately 15,000 students nationwide. Their selection criteria include exceptional academic records, strong leadership attributes and notable contributions to their schools and communities.
“The finalists represent a diverse group of students, hailing from various backgrounds and pursuing a wide range of interests,” An official statement by Plano ISD said.“Their accomplishments go beyond the classroom, reflecting their commitment to extracurricular activities, community service and leadership roles.”
The National Merit Scholarship Program allows the students to compete for over 7,000 National Merit Scholarships, worth over $28 million that will be offered next spring. Generously sponsored by corporations, foundations, colleges and universities throughout the United States, these scholarships pave the way for recipients to pursue their undergraduate studies.
Attaining the National Merit Scholar provides financial support and acknowledges the finalists' unwavering commitment to personal growth and societal impact.
In a news release, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation said the winners of 2024 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join nearly 375,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.
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