The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Among these semifinalists are six students from Federal Way Public Schools: Ji Yeon L. Park, Mohammed Ranzan and Nathaniel Soo of Thomas Jefferson High School; Julianna R. Siemssen of Todd Beamer High School; Kiegan Z. Rosser, Decatur High School; and Sharon Choe, Federal Way High School.

Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. There are approximately 16,000 semifinalists.

Being awarded a National Merit Scholarship is not a simple task. To become a finalist, the semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application. The semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards come into play.

In addition to this, a semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.