Joshua Popp and Daniel O’Connor

Seniors Daniel O’Connor and Joshua Popp were recently named semifinalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The designation, based on scores in each state on the PSAT exam, is the first step toward becoming a National Merit Scholarship winner.

About 16,000 students nationwide are chosen as semifinalists, and 90 percent go on to become finalists. To become a finalist, the semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

Approximately 8,000 students will be selected as 2015 scholarship winners.