Hinsdale South Announces Class of 2017's Highest Academic Achievers

Administrators from Hinsdale South High School proudly announced Wednesday their graduating academic scholars whose hard work may pay off in the form of some hefty scholarships.

The school's National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Scholars for the Class of 2017 include 13 high achievers who were selected from a nationwide pool of semifinalists, according to a Hinsdale Township High School District 86 news release.

Students are automatically screened for the program when taking the PSAT/NMSQT during October of their junior year.

"The ... semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, include the highest scoring entrants in each state," the release said. "According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, (they) will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $33 million that will be offered next spring."

Hinsdale South High School's recipients include:

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the group is expected to attain finalist standing, with about half winning a National Merit Scholarship.

Content provided by Hinsdale Township High School District 86