The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced yesterday, September 12, the names of 25 seniors from the MVLA district that qualified as semifinalists. Fourteen of the seniors are from LAHS. Of the 1.5 million entrants who took the PSAT/NMSQT, these students have demonstrated proficiency in critical reading, math and writing skills.

In order to advance to the finalist level of the competition, students must meet several standards. The program evaluates the semifinalists based on school records, SAT scores, and principal recommendations. The students are also required to submit an essay and information on leadership positions in the school and the community.

The semifinalists from Los Altos are: John R. Beutter, Emily Y. Cheng, Runming Dai, Blaine M. Dzwonczyk, Alice Hau, Catherine Y. Hua, Libbie A. Katsev, Jacqueline Liu, Jerry J. Liu, Hongyi Shi, Richelle L. Smith, Natasha M. Welingkar, Jonathan R. Yu and Allison D. Yuen.

“These outstanding seniors at Los Altos High School are being recognized this month for their performance on last year’s PSAT,” counselor Maryann Smetzer said. “We are pleased to announce their names to the community and will formally honor them at our Senior Awards Night in May.”