Fourteen MCPS seniors from six high schools have been named semifinalists in the 46th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program for outstanding African American students. They are among thousands of semifinalists—including 71 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 high schools and number of semifinalists from each are:

Montgomery Blair: 5
Northwest: 1
Poolesville: 1
Richard Montgomery: 5
Springbrook: 1
Walt Whitman: 1

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 the spring.