Continuing a tradition of excellence, five Walnut High School seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

These high-achieving students represent the top 1% in the country.

Congrats to the following Seniors: Samuel Chou, Hudson Kaleb Dy, Shani Su, Chelsea Yeh, Jadon Zhu.

The nationwide pool of approximately 16,000 semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

All semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,200 National Merit Scholarship awards worth more than $28 million to be awarded next spring.

Students entered the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT Test as juniors which served as the initial screen of program entrants.

To move onto the finalist round, students are judged based on a detailed scholarship application covering their academic record, leadership abilities, employment, participation in school and community activities, and honors and awards received.

Students must also write an essay and be recommended by a high school official.