Lathrop, Nicholson Named
2008 National Merit Semifinalists

     More than 1.4 million juniors in nearly 21,000 high schools entered the 2008 National Merit Program by taking the 2006 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®),

     Mount Michael seniors Sam Lathrop the son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Lathrop of Valley, Nebraska and Will Nicholson the son of Mr and Mrs Chuck Nicholson of Bellevue, Nebraska are among approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

     These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship® awards, worth $34 million, that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several requirements. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

     Congratulations to both Sam and Will and good luck on the next stage of the competition.