Danville Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

DANVILLE, CA — Fourteen students who attend school in Danville were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced. That included two students from the Athenian School, 11 from Monte Vista High School, and one from San Ramon Valley High School.

The students joined more than 16,000 students in the running to be named a National Merit Scholar, and receive a $2500 scholarship to help them further their educations. The following semifinalists received PSAT/NMSQT exam scores high enough to place them in the top one percent of US high school seniors:

ATHENIAN SCHOOL

1. Garrett M. Molitor
2. Michael J. Solomon

MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

1. Kalen J. Atkinson
2. Trisha Bijlani
3. Stephanie Y. Cao
4. Rex S.Chao
5. Liam K. Dolan
6. Emre Ferman
7. Sofia F. Fernandez
8. Arshia Gandhi
9. Bashar Kabbarah
10. Amanda E. Kayari
11. Callen M. Kuwahara

SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

1. Nicholas H. Luo

To become a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed application that provides information on their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. They must also write an essay, be recommended by a high school official, and receive SAT or ACT scores high enough to qualify.

About 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of finalists are expected to win a National Merit Scholarship, according to the NMSC. Winners will be announced in four news releases from April to July of 2025.