The tallies are still coming in, but so far at least 16 local Catholic high school seniors have earned themselves the title of being a 2017 National Merit semifinalist.

There are reportedly 300 in Arizona and some 16,000 nationally. Semifinalists earned the distinction based on performance of the PSAT/NMSQT in October of 2015.

Those students included some at:

  • Bourgade Catholic High School —
  • Brophy College Preparatory — Will Alpert, Anthony Cardellini, Carter Clelland, Zephan Enciso, Ian Gray, Brandon Hulston, Luke Miller, Brendan Morey, Luke Stegmayer, Ryan Teetsel, Brandon Theodorou, Michael Travis, and Jack Venberg
Senior students at Brophy College Preparatory, who earned the distinction of National merit semifinalist, pose for a photo. (courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory)
Senior students at Brophy College Preparatory, who earned the distinction of National merit semifinalist, pose for a photo. (courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory)
  • Notre Dame Preparatory —
  • Seton Catholic Preparatory — Dominic Krzmarzick and Marcellina Wiertek

    (photo courtesy of Seton Catholic Preparatory)
    (photo courtesy of Seton Catholic Preparatory)
  • Xavier College Preparatory — Maeneka Grewal, Taylor Lawritson (the diocesan spelling bee champion in 2012), and Maeve McIntyre

maeneka-grewal taylor-lawritson maeve-mcintyre

Thirteen other Xavier students were named Commended Students in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.

In order to advance to Finalist and Scholar designation portion of the scholarship competition later this school year, they must submit a detailed application that provides information about their academic record, school and community involvement, leadership abilities, employment, and honors received.

UPDATE

In related news, Xavier announced Oct. 13 that the National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) recognized Victoria Amaro, Samantha Marx, Emma Strouse and Elena Zurek for their excellence in academic achievement.

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