3 Gilmour Academy Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

GATES MILLS, OH — Three Gilmour Academy seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists this week.

More than 1.5 million students annually apply for National Merit Scholarships. When students take the PSAT they are automatically entered into the fray. Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors become semifinalists.

The three students are: Eric Brandt of Willoughby Hills, Mollie Edmondson of Stow, and Joseph Rottinghaus of Willoughby Hills.

Only 16,000 students earn National Merit Semifinalist distinctions annually. Semifinalists can become Finalists and compete for scholarships.

"The National Merit Scholarship Corporation states that the student must “have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and write an essay.” Approximately 15,000 students are expected to be named finalists. Of those finalists, 7,600 will earn the Merit Scholar designation and National Merit Scholarships totaling more than $30 million," a Gilmour Academy spokesperson said.