6 CV Students Named as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Six students in Castro Valley have been named as semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship contest for 2023. They represent fewer than one percent of 16,000 U.S. high school seniors who could advance to the Finalist level. Those names are scheduled to be announced in February 2023.

Representing Castro Valley are Castro Valley High School seniors Rebecca A. Beringer, Autumn L. Kasl-Godley, Kevin H. Li, Elias J. Nierengarten, and Aidan M. Rickert. Espen Slettnes, who is homeschooled was also named as a semifinalist.

About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

Next for these students is a rigorous process of filling out a scholarship application, supplying information about their academic record, proof of participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must also be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that are consistent with their Junior year scores.

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.