The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced this year's National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists.  SCCPSS had three students recognized. Jenkins High School Salutatorian Udai Mallepoola was named a National Merit Semi-finalist.  Sydnie Roberds and Williams Gohn, 2020 graduates of the Savannah Arts Academy, were named National Merit Finalists who will be awarded $2500 National Merit Scholarships.

National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state's percentage of the nation's graduating high school seniors.  These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

The  $2500 Scholarship may be used at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.