These Los Alamitos Students Are National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Two Los Alamitos students have been announced as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Here's what that means.

The nonprofit program was started in 1955 as a way to honor the most academically talented high school seniors and help them achieve their full potential, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Millions of high school students apply each year for the chance to get their higher educucation efforts funded. But only a few thousand will be selected to receive any sort of financial support.

"The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state," the nonprofit ssaid in a statement Wednesday. "Merit Scholr designees are selected one the basis of their skill, accomplishmetns and potential for success in rigorous college studies."

The following Los Alamitos seniors were selected as semifinalists for the award:

Los Alamitos High School

• Michael Garner
• Amelia Jen

Nearby, Cypress High School Katie B. Lee is also competiting to become a National Merit Scholar.

These students will find out between April and July 2026 whether they've been selected as recipients of the scholarship.