Colonial Forge HS Student Named National Merit Semifinalist

STAFFORD, VA — Stafford County Public Schools congratulated a Colonial Forge High School student on being named a semifinalist in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Earlier this week, CFHS senior Austin (A.J.) Staton was chosen as one of the semifinalists in the next round of National Merit Scholarships in 2025.

National Merit Scholarship program recognizes academically successful high school students, with winners representing less than 1 percent of the country's high school seniors. In the 70th annual program, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named more than 16,000 finalists.

“This outstanding accomplishment is attributed to the hard work of this promising student; and a direct reflection of the top-quality education being offered at Colonial Forge and in Stafford County,” said CFHS Principal Gregory Daniel. “We are extremely proud of A.J. and applaud his dedication and commitment to excel beyond high school.”

Staton, who hopes to receive an acceptance letter from Virginia Tech this fall, plans to study aerospace engineering. In his spare time, he plays music and skates, which he finds time to do while take four advance placement classes, two in engineering and two in music.

Related: Fredericksburg Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

“A.J.'s achievement is a testament to both his personal dedication and the collaborative efforts of his teachers, family, and our school community,” said Acting Superintendent Chris R. Fulmer. “We are thrilled to see one of our own reach such a prestigious milestone, and we have no doubt that A.J. will continue to inspire us all as he moves forward in this competition.”