The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of nearly 16,000 Semifinalists in the 55th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors now have an opportunity to continue on in the competition for around 8,200 National Merit Scholarships totaling approximately $36 million.

Lee County Public Schools students who made the list of Semifinalists are:

North Fort Myers High: Miska Latura and Rebecca Laube

Fort Myers High: Carlos Marin and Sally Thompson

To be considered for an award, students must meet several criteria to advance to the Finalist level. The organization anticipates about 90 percent of Semifinalists making it to the Finalist level, with about half of those earning scholarships.

Source: Lee County Schools