Carrollton High School seniors Edward Kenyon and Sarah Scholl, who were named National Merit Finalists in February, have received Merit Scholar titles and will receive two of the 7,500 National Merit scholarships worth more than $31 million that are being offered. These scholarships will provide a full ride for Edward and Sarah. 

The pair are among an elite group of less than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide who receive National Merit scholarships. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. 

High school juniors entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program when they took the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

In September, more than 16,000 semifinalists were designated on a state-representational basis. Semifinalists were the highest-scoring program entrants in each state, representing less than 1% of the nation’s seniors.

To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists were asked to complete a detailed scholarship application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirmed their qualifying test performance.

"Edward and Sarah are not only top academic performers, but they are also well-rounded students who have been actively involved in other school activities during their time at CHS," said CHS Principal Ian Lyle. "That is a combination for life success that will serve them well. We are very proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds for them."

Edward will be attending the University of Georgia and plans to major in chemistry. Sarah is attending the University of Alabama and has plans to major in biology/biochemistry with a pre-med track.