Academic Kudos For Seven Roseville Area High Students

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. has named seven Roseville Area High School (RAHS) seniors as National Merit semifinalists, the Roseville Public Schools said this week.

The seven students, all seniors, are: Katherine Allen, Zachary Calkins, Logan Daniels, Jingyang Dong, Benjamin Rhee, Sammy Shaker and William Thomas.

Allen, Calkins, Daniels, Dong, Rhee, Shaker and Thomas are seven of 16,000 students from an original applicant pool of about 1.5 million college-bound students from U.S. high schools to be named National Merit semifinalists, Roseville school offcials said in a press statement.

National Merit semifinalists represent less than 1 percent of the nation’s high school graduating seniors, according to the organization. "They are the only participants who have an opportunity to advance in the competition for some 8,300 Merit Scholarship awards."

In Minnesota, there are 321 National Merit semifinalists from among 104 schools, Roseville officials said.

“We are so proud to have these seven outstanding students represent Roseville Area High School as National Merit Semifinalists,” said RAHS Principal Jenny Loeck.  Last year, two RAHS students were recognized as semifinalists.

In February 2013, semifinalists who meet academic and other requirements will be notified that they have advanced to Finalist standing.  All Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen from this group of Finalists, the Roseville School District said.