Eighteen seniors from 14 high schools in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have been named semifinalists in the 45th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program for outstanding African American students.

They are among about 16,000 semifinalists—including 75 from Maryland—who were selected nationwide for their high scores on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The MCPS semifinalists and their high schools are:

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Paul R. Webber

Montgomery Blair High School
Lindsay J. Brewer
Jesse T. Gonzalez
David C. Harris

James Hubert Blake High School
Alexander C. Blocker
Arieyl A. Jones
Sarah G. Peko-Spicer

Winston Churchill High School
Rick A. Oleka

Clarksburg High School
Abiye L. Ibiebele

Albert Einstein High School
Dawit H. Zewdie

Walter Johnson High School
Brian N. Gill

John F. Kennedy High School
Richard A. Adjogah

Richard Montgomery High School
Abiola D. Laniyonu

Northwest High School
Dereck W. Paul

Northwood High School
Joseph E. Walburn

Springbrook High School
Lauren A. Nyack

Watkins Mill High School
Omosefe Emokpae

Thomas S. Wootton High School
Brian Hollins

The National Achievement Scholarship Program was initiated in 1964 to honor high achieving African American students. The semifinalists now will be considered for scholarships based on their accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Winners will be announced in early April.

More information is on the National Achievement Scholarship Program web site.