Out of the 1.5 million juniors in the 22,000 high schools that entered to win a scholarship, Flower Mound came out with forty-two finalists. Forty-two was the second largest number of winners in the state, which is twenty-six more than Marcus. A cash amount of $2,500 was given to each finalist to go toward the college of their choice.

Each year, the National Merit Scholar Program views the students’ PSAT/NMSQT scores, and if the individual meets the requirements they will progress to the semi-finals. The students must submit a detailed application in order to be a finalist.

“In my application, I was required to submit essays and to submit my GPA,” scholarship finalist Scott Munro said. “I had a couple of clubs and of course my academic record.”

The contestants’ definitely had their work cut out for them.

“First you need to do well on your PSAT/SAT and you must also write a few essays,” Finalist Byung Kuk Kim said, “then you’re going to need your recommendation letters.”

Although challenging, this competition has opened up new possibilities for the finalists.

“I’m going to A&M because of their biomedical science program,” Kuk Kim said. Kim said that the medicine field was his first career choice.

“After I graduate, I’m thinking about going to UT Austin, and I’m looking to get into the computer science field.” Munro said.

Munro also has goals for his future.

The rough journey to the finish line proved worthwhile as these finalist head off towards the bright futures ahead of them.

To learn more about how the program works visit: http://www.nationalmerit.org/