Sept. 14, 2020 -- Heights High School seniors Maple Buescher and Xavier Routh have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. Maple and Xavier qualified for the award because of their performances on the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). 

Currently, more than 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year. Only about 16,000 students were named semifinalists in the program this year, representing less than 1 percent of the nation’s high school graduating seniors.

"We are incredibly proud of Maple and Xavier for this tremendous accomplishment. Becoming a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is no easy feat. I know that they will continue making Tiger Nation proud well beyond their time at Heights," said Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby.

Both students have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. In February 2021, NMSP will notify principals of their Semifinalists who have advanced to the Finalist level.