Congratulations to WHS Senior Josue Casco-Rodriguez on being named a 2018 National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist. Josue is a student in the WHS gifted program and active in Robotics, Game Design and Powerlifting. Josue also achieved recognition as a National AP Scholar and a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar by the College Board this year.
As a semifinalist, Josue will continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2018.
Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 230 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 190 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,000 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.
