Carmel, IN – Carmel High School is proud to announce that 44 of its outstanding students have qualified as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, marking a significant achievement in academic excellence. These talented students represent a select group of high school seniors nationwide who have earned the opportunity to compete for prestigious National Merit Scholarships, recognizing their exceptional performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, is a competitive scholarship program that identifies students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Each year, approximately 16,000 Semifinalists are chosen from a pool of over 1.5 million students who take the PSAT. These students now have the chance to advance to Finalist status, with the potential to receive one of 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.

In addition to our Semifinalists, Carmel High School is proud to recognize 58 students who have been named Commended Students. These students rank among the top 50,000 of the more than 1.5 million who entered the 2024 competition by taking the PSAT. Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships; however, they are honored for their remarkable academic promise and are often considered for special scholarships sponsored by businesses and organizations.

Carmel High School Principal Tim Phares expressed his pride in the students, saying, “We are incredibly proud of our National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students. Their achievements showcase not only their own hard work and dedication but also the tremendous support they receive from our educators and their families. This success reflects the collaborative effort of a community committed to fostering academic excellence.”

For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website.