Two of Milton High School’s students have been named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Jack Caljouw and Bocar Zilla-Ba. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million that will be offered next spring. Approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were recognized as part of the 59th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Bocar Zilla-Ba and Jack Caljouw – National Merit Semifinalists

This scholarship is based on scores from the 2012 PSAT. Less than 1% of those who took the PSATs qualified as Semifinalists. Both students, who are seniors at Milton High School, are active students who take AP courses and participate in extracurricular activities. Jack is a member of the Debate Team and Bocar plays varsity soccer.

“These young men are both stellar students and hard-working members of the Milton High community,” said Guidance Department Director Karen Cahill. “This is an amazing accomplishment for them.”

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.