Bob Ceh, Seneca Valley Senior High School principal, left, congratulates seniors, from left, Haihan Xu, Eric Combs and Peter Ko for being named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Submitted Photo

JACKSON TWP — Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced Seneca Valley High School seniors Haihan Xu, Eric Combs and Peter Ko as semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

As semifinalists, they will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million, to be offered next spring. From more than 16,000 semifinalists, approximately 15,000 are expected to advance to the next level of the program, where these students will have the opportunity to earn a National Merit Scholarship and, ultimately, the Merit Scholar title.

In addition, Seneca Valley senior Ava Stewart has been named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. She was recognized by the NMSC for her outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry.