Lawrence High school National Merit scholar semifinalists, from left, are Addison Frei, Matthew Drahozal, Patrick Magnuson and Roy Wedge.

FSHS National Merit Semifinalists, from left, are Benjamin Rosenbloom, Sam Walter, Dravid Joseph, Lea Greenberg, Spencer Chestnut, Lauren Potts, Peter Bray and Anton Bovin.

Twelve local high school students are National Merit Semifinalists and have the opportunity to continue in the nationwide competition for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships.

Eight Free State High School students and four Lawrence High School students could win a $2,500 scholarship, one of about 1,000 corporate-sponsored awards or a scholarship from one of about 200 colleges and universities. Winners are announced April through July. Here’s a look at each semifinalist.

Anton Bovin

Free State High

Activities: Math Team, Scholars Bowl, Model United Nations, Science Olympiad

College plans: Wants to go to a technical school and focus on electrical engineering

Peter Bray

Free State High

Activities: theater, band, Model United Nations

College plans: Wants to study Chinese

Spencer Chestnut

Free State High

Activities: football, wrestling, Social Awareness Club, Philosophy Club

College plans: Wants to major in engineering, probably in the biomedical field

Matthew Drahozal

Lawrence High

Activities: theater, a capella choir, German Club, Thespian Troupe

College plans: Wants to major in musical theater

Addison Frei

Lawrence High

Activities: band, orchestra, a capella choir, chorale

College plans: Wants to major in jazz studies

Lea Greenberg

Free State High

Activities: Model United Nations, Scholars Bowl, Young Democrats, Spanish Club, German Club

College plans: Wants to go to a liberal arts school, major undecided

Dravid Joseph

Free State High

Activities: Tennis, Scholars Bowl, Science Olympiad, Math Team, band

College plans: Wants to study engineering or pre-medicine

Patrick Magnuson

Lawrence High

Activities: Scholars Bowl, Robotics Club

College plans: Wants to major in engineering

Lauren Potts

Free State High

Activities: Social Awareness Club, Key Club, Student Council, LINK Crew

College plans: Wants to major in management for nonprofit organizations

Benjamin Rosenbloom

Free State High

Activities: Thespian Club, Philosophy Club, Writer’s Club, choir

College plans: Wants to study on the East Coast and possibly go into education

Sam Walter

Free State High

Activities: debate, Model United Nations

College plans: Likes physics, art and literature, but major undecided

Roy Wedge

Lawrence High

Activities: cross country, track, swimming, French Club, Chess Club

College plans: undecided