The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Boonville High School senior Rachel Massa has earned her place among these high-achieving students, according to Boonville R-1 district officials.

Massa took the PSAT qualifying test as a junior. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To take the next step to become a finalist, the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application to provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received.

Boonville High School Principal Kenya Fuemmeler said, “We are very proud of Rachel’s academic accomplishments. This is indicative of her hard work in the classroom and represents the quality of her education as a student in the Blackwater School District and at Boonville High School.”

Photo courtesy Boonville R-1 School District.