Midland Independent School District (MISD) has announced that three seniors have been named semi-finalists for an annual academic competition that awards college scholarships and recognition.
According to a district news release, this is the first time MISD has had students on the National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists list since 2019. That year, an MISD student won the competition. Legacy High Senior Jerry Rolston, Midland High Senior Caleb Brown, and Sanjana Vadlapatla, who is a member of the first senior class at the Young Women's Leadership Academy, are the district’s semi-finalists.
The students completed a thorough application process, which takes into account academic record, community service, leadership, employment, awards received, and PSAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test results. The students who compete for scholarships estimated to be worth $26 million are among the high academic achievers in the country. Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors receive recognition from the program nationwide. The students are expected to be recognized at next month’s school board meeting.
"This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication and academic excellence of our students, their families and their schools," said Dr. Amanda Melchor, executive director of secondary teaching and learning. "We are incredibly proud of Jerry, Caleb and Sanjana," Melchor added.