Three Students from Richland One’s Dreher High named National Merit semifinalists

September 16, 2021

(L-R) Zoe Maltarich, Shane Keup, Cassandra Escorcia

Three Richland One students have been named National Merit semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Dreher High School students Cassandra M. Escorcia, Shane A. Keup and Zoe K. Maltarich will join nearly 16,000 others to compete for a finalist position and ultimately, for a chance to participate in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

There are 7,500 National Merit Scholarships valued at nearly $30 million to be offered to high school seniors nationally next spring. In order to qualify as finalists, these semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application which includes their academic record, evidenced participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors and awards. They must also have an exemplary high school academic record, be endorsed by a high school official, write an essay and earn an SAT or ACT score that confirms the student’s academic performance.

Approximately 15,000 semifinalists will advance as finalists, and they will be notified in February. All scholarship program recipients will be selected from the group of finalists.