JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch High School senior Olivia O'Conner was named a finalist in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Olivia is one of 15,000 students selected nationwide for finalist standing. Knoch High School principal Frank Moxie presented her with a certificate from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. at the Feb. 11 school board meeting.

Olivia continues in the competition for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $35 million. Three types of Merit Scholarship awards are offered: 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, 1,100 corporate-sponsored scholarships and 4,600 college-sponsored scholarships.

Scholarship winners will be announced in April.