6 Strongsville High Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Six Strongsville High students have been named National Merit Semifinalists.

"We are very proud of our National Merit Semifinalists, as they represent the very best of Strongsville High School students. We look forward to their potential next step in the National Merit selection process and are confident that this is another step toward future significant accomplishments by these students," a district spokesperson told Patch in an email.

The six Strongsville students named National Merit Semifinalists are:

• Matthew Cornelius
• Nicholas Cyranek
• Charles Lin
• Alexandru Sachelarie
• Vardaan Shah
• Kevin Whitbred

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.

Only 16,000 students earn National Merit Semifinalist distinctions annually. Semifinalists can become Finalists and compete for $30 million in scholarships.