(Sept. 11, 2020) – Two Central High School seniors have been named 2021 National Merit Semifinalists – James (Jay) Jura and Isabella Weibelt-Smith.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive academic program. More than 1.5 million juniors from 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
James “Jay” Jura is a member of National Honor Society, captain of the Varsity soccer team and is student body treasurer, to name a few of his activities.
Isabella Weibelt-Smith is a member of National Honor Society, Math club treasurer, Missouri Scholar’s Academy and participates in soccer, cross country and choir, to name a few of her activities.
To advance to the finalist status, students must submit a scholarship application that includes an outstanding academic record, a recommendation from their schools, an essay and SAT scores that confirm the results of the PSAT.
Three types of scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2021: finalists compete for $2500 scholarships, a corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship award from corporations and business organizations or college sponsored Merit Scholarship for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.