5 Westlake High Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

WESTLAKE, OH — Five Westlake High students have been named National Merit Semifinalists.

"We congratulate our students and their families. These are very talented and dedicated students and it is nice to see them recognized," Superintendent Scott Goggin told Patch.

This year's Westlake Semifinalists are: Luke Heberle, Rahul Jain, Colten Rujawitz, Macy Sinreich, and Kevin Xu. They will now try and become National Merit Finalists and begin competing for scholarships.

"Obviously, I am very happy for these students; however, I am not surprised as they take their academics very seriously. What makes me most proud is that these students are all amazing young adults that are well-rounded students that I would consider leaders on our campus!" Westlake High Principal Paul Wilson said.

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.