Thirteen Lawrence high schoolers have been named semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes the top academically talented students in the country.

National Merit Scholar semifinalists from Free State High School: front row from left, Magdalene Carttar, Nathaniel Hoopes, Sydney Combs, Asher Supernaw, Mika Schrader and Liying Liu; back row from left, Shimon Rosenblum, Adam Goertz, Sydney Gard and Alison Gehrke.

Richard Gwin/Journal World-Photo. LHS seniors Kai Blosser and Andrew Bell are semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Gabriel Magee, Bishop Seabury

Free State High School had 10 students selected, along with two from Lawrence High School and one from Bishop Seabury Academy. Last year, the three schools combined for 12 semifinalists.

About 16,000 semifinalists across the nation were announced Wednesday, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. The semifinalists were the highest scoring on college-entrance exams from around 1.5 million students who entered the program last year.

“We congratulate these outstanding (public high school) students, their families and all of their teachers,” Lawrence schools Superintendent Rick Doll said. “This is a significant accomplishment that will serve these students well as they pursue post-secondary education and careers.”

Gabriel Magee was selected as a semifinalist for Bishop Seabury Academy.

“Gabe is an exceptional student and a good-natured young man,” said Don Schawang, the head of school for Bishop Seabury. “He is a highly intelligent fellow who also understands the value of humility.”

About 90 percent of semifinalists are expected to reach “finalist” standing, according to a news release. To become a finalist, students must demonstrate community involvement, leadership abilities, employment and honors received. All entrants are also required to submit academic records and take a qualifying test.

Finalists will be announced in February. About half will be awarded National Merit Scholarships funded by the NMS corporation and various organizations and businesses. The NMS scholarship winners will be named in four separate announcements between April and July, and many universities also offer scholarships for those students designated as finalists.