SARASOTA COUNTY, September 14, 2018 – Sarasota County Schools is proud to announce that 38 students throughout the district have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

“We are very excited to celebrate the hard work and academic achievement of our students,” said Todd Bowden, superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “The qualifying criteria for the National Merit Scholarship Program is rigorous and our semifinalist students should be commended for their efforts. My sincere appreciation and thanks to all our teachers that played a part in cultivating the abilities of these students. We look forward to celebrating even more success on this front next year.”

“These scholarships are a huge achievement and I am proud of all of our students that have qualified as semifinalists,” commented Steve Cantees, executive director of Secondary Schools. “Every year scholarship opportunities become increasingly competitive, and the National Merit program is no exception. Our students’ achievements speak volumes to the overall standard of excellence we pursue district-wide every day. Sarasota County Schools is committed to supporting the academic success of our students.”

An estimated 1.6 million students enter the program every year, and the 50,000 students with the highest scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. In September, these high scoring students are notified through their schools that they have qualified as either a Commended Student or Semifinalist. Please join us in congratulating the following schools for having National Merit Semifinalists:

• Pine View School – 31 students
• Riverview High School – 5 students
• Sarasota High School – 1 student
• Venice High School – 1 student

About Sarasota County Schools

Sarasota County Schools is committed to providing unrivaled academic, emotional and civic growth to every student, every day. As one of the leading employers on the Suncoast, Sarasota County Schools boasts 53 schools that expertly cater to the diverse needs of over 43,000 students. We are one of two Florida school districts to consistently earn an A-grade every year since 2004. Our passionate educators empower students to take charge of their academic and personal success, a practice we believe fosters lifelong growth and achievement. We actively maintain the district’s tradition of excellence and ensure that tradition extends to all students. Our commitment to our students extends beyond graduation to make sure they not only graduate on time, but do so college and career ready. Want to take your student’s education to the next level? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit www.SarasotaCountySchools.net. 

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