Johnsburg High School student Thomas Oeffling has been named a 2022 National Merit Scholarship semifinalist.
To be named a semifinalist, students as high school juniors must earn among the highest scores on the preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholarship qualifying test in their state.
About 16,000 students nationwide were named semifinalists in September and will continue in the competition for the estimated 7,500 National Merit scholarships, worth almost $30 million in total, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corp. About 95% of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship.
Oeffling has chosen to continue in the competition for the finalist round, according to a news release from the school. The competition to become a finalist includes review of his detailed academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. They must also be endorsed and recommended by a school official.
“Tommy Oeffling has been a rising star here at Johnsburg High School for years,” guidance counselor Tom Haurum said. “He is well known for his uncanny wit, passion for learning and willingness to lead. When Tommy’s amazing SAT score was announced, it seemed like icing on the cake for a student who routinely goes above and beyond what is expected of him.”.
National Merit Scholarship winners of 2022 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.