A Butler High School student has been named a National Merit Scholarship finalist.

Christian Bruggeman, a senior, wins a $2,500 scholarship with the national honor.

He is the son of Robert and Cequenda Bruggeman of Butler.

Selection was based the finalist's academic record, scores from two standardized tests, contributions and leadership in school and community activities, an essay describing interests and goals, and the recommendation written by a high school official.

This year's competition for National Merit Scholarships began in October 2006 when juniors took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Last fall, the highest-scoring participants in each state, representing less than 1 percent of the state's seniors, were named semifinalists.

Bruggeman plans a career in computer science.