Parsa A. Farnad (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

The Beverly Hills Unified School District announced that Beverly Hills High School students Parsa A. Farnad, Bradley K. Moon and Nicholas M. Walker were named National Merit Semifinalists.

They were honored with approximately 16,000 other semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Nicholas M. Walker (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

“These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring,” the National Merit Scholarship Corporation said in a statement.

“We congratulate the students recognized for their academic achievement and excellence in their pursuit towards higher education, especially during times where learning has had to be adapted,” said Casey Rowley, college counselor at Beverly Hills High School.

“As our students show resiliency in academic achievement, it is exciting to honor them for their efforts. Beyond academic recognition, these are students devoting time and energy outside the classroom, and we commend them on their accomplishments. We look forward to seeing their next steps as these students apply to colleges throughout the fall and begin a new chapter towards their higher education goals.”

Bradley K. Moon (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

To become a finalist, the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and write an essay.

Over 90% of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing when the results are announced in February, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title when the winners are announced between April and July.

Farnad, Moon and Walker will be honored at an upcoming BHUSD Board of Education meeting.

For information, visit bhusd.org.