2023 National Merit Semifinalists revealed

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Part of a pool of 16,000 semi finalists from around the country, 54 seniors qualified as a National Merit semi finalist. They now have a chance to compete for a Finalist title and one of 7,600 scholarships. (Graphic/Irene John)

After taking the PSAT in October, 54 seniors scored high enough to become a National Merit semi finalist. 

A total of 85 seniors from both campuses were selected — 54 from the Broward Campus and 31 from the Palm Beach Campus. Combined, Heritage students made up 10% of all Florida semi finalists.

Aside from the 54 semi finalists, 48 other seniors were recognized as National Commended Scholars. 

“I am so proud of these students for earning this extremely prestigious award,” said Dr. Douglas Laurie. “Not only are they recognized nationally as the top one percent academically, but they are also extremely well-rounded, excelling both in and out of the classroom in fine arts, sports and community service.”

Irene, now a senior at American Heritage, returns to staff as the Online-Editor-in-Chief for her third and final year with the Patriot Post. She loves all things literature and spends most of her time with her nose in a book. Her passion for writing started early, and she is currently the co-president of the Quill and Scroll Society. When she is not studying or writing articles for the wonderful iPatriotPost, she enjoys volunteering and helping lead a multitude of clubs at Heritage. Since 2014, she has worked alongside Best Buddies, an organization that advocates for inclusivity for those with intellectual and physical disabilities. As a co-founder and current board member of the South Florida Best Buddies Student Advisory Board, she plans fundraisers and service projects, including the annual Friendship Walk, which raised almost $300,000. She looks forward to making this year special and as amazing as possible.