Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) have narrowed the pool of semifinalists down to some 15,000 students as finalists in February in the 2021-2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Included in the list of finalists is Harrisburg High School senior Gabrielle Van Veldhuizen. Gabrielle will have an opportunity to continue in the competition to earn one of 7,600 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth more than $30 Million, that will be offered in the spring. Congratulations, Gabrielle, on this outstanding accomplishment!
All winners of Merit Scholarship awards (Merit Scholar® designees) will be chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments—without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. A variety of information is available for NMSC to evaluate: The Finalist's academic record, information about the school's curriculum and grading system, PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score, the high school official's written recommendation, information about the student's activities and leadership, and the Finalist's own essay.