Home / Education / Memphis Area Seniors Shine in National Merit Semifinals
Memphis Area Seniors Shine in National Merit Semifinals
10 Sep
Summary
- Over 16,000 high school seniors named semifinalists.
- Nearly $24 million in scholarships are available.
- About 95% of semifinalists are expected to become finalists.
More than 16,000 high school seniors have been recognized as semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program as of September 9, 2026. This prestigious designation places them in contention for one of 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, collectively valued at nearly $24 million, which will be awarded in the spring of 2027.
A substantial number of these academically distinguished students hail from the Memphis and Shelby County area, representing various local high schools. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation anticipates that approximately 95% of the current semifinalists will achieve finalist status. Subsequently, about half of those finalists will be selected to receive a scholarship, earning them the esteemed Merit Scholar title.
