The National Merit Scholarship Corporation was established in 1955 to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program, annual academic competition for recognition and scholarships that is open to all U.S. high school students who meet published entry requirements. The Semifinalists named in each year's Merit Scholarship competition show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Those who meet requirements to advance to the Finalist level then compete for scholarships; currently, about half the outstanding Finalists are chosen to receive Merit Scholarship awards, which are supported by independent sponsor organizations and NMSC's own funds. It is the individual student who is honored in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This year 42 students in Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools, celebrated on these pages, were so honored. They are among the 16,000 Semifinalists designated for awards in 2003 from some 1.3 million National Merit Program entrants in 20,000 high schools nationwide. It is important to note that there are a variety of reasons why numbers of semifinalists cannot be used to judge the quality or effectiveness of education in a state or high school. For example, semifinalists are designated on a state representational basis. The number of semifinalists named in each state is proportional to the state's percentage of the national total of high school graduating seniors. The number of semifinalists in a particular school can also be influenced by many factors. As a result, National Merit Program data are meaningful and valid only when considered within the competition's framework; any attempt to compare on the basis of such data constitutes misuse and will lead to erroneous and unsound conclusions. Congratulations to all the students who achieved semifinalist status or received a letter of commendation.
