Theo Brock and Ian McGrath, both seniors at Washington High School, have been named finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. This achievement places them among the top 1% of high school students nationwide. The National Merit Scholarship Program is renowned for recognizing outstanding academic achievements, with over 1.3 million students entering the competition annually.

To become a finalist, students first had to be one of the highest-scoring entrants in the state on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They then had to submit a detailed scholarship application – provide information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. They also had to write an essay, earn high marks on the SAT or ACT, and get a recommendation from a high school official. Ian and Theo now move on to compete for one of 7,140 scholarships totaling over $28 million. Scholarship winners will be announced between April and July.

“We’re so proud to see these outstanding, hardworking students advance to the next round of this prestigious program,” shared Washington principal Ian LeMaster. “This achievement is the culmination of years of dedication to learning, leading, and serving their community and demonstrates the rich tradition that Washington has of academic excellence.”