This September, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMS®) officials announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, is delighted to share that Caroline Gouley was among these students. Head of School Beth Coyne shares, "Caroline is an outstanding member of the Lauralton Hall community in and out of the classroom. Along with her strong academic achievements, Caroline is an active member of the National Honor Society, Engineering Team, and Youth and Government. Additionally, she is the Debate Team president, a Peer Mentor, and Crusader Consignment co-founder. We are proud of Caroline and all her accomplishments!"
These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 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 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 280 business organizations, higher education institutions, and individual donors that share. NMSC's goals of honoring the nation's scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.