Two Lawrence High School graduates have earned National Merit Scholarships after being named as finalists in the National Merit program.

Alyssa M. Crider, of Lawrence High, earned a National Merit Scholarship at the University of Minnesota and Riley C. Gentry, also of Lawrence High, earned a National Merit Scholarship at the University of Central Florida.

Crider plans on pursuing a career in computer science and Gentry plans to study mathematics and education.

Finalists earning scholarships had to earn qualifying scores on the PSAT and SAT standardized tests in addition to submitting a detailed scholarship application.