Congratulations to Bryan ISD's two newest National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists! Katherine Keyser from Bryan High School and Michael Farnsworth from Rudder High School were both announced as semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation on Sept. 10.
Out of more than 1.3 million juniors who entered the National Merit program by taking the PSAT or qualifying test in 2024, Katherine and Michael are two of just 16,000 semifinalists in the country! The semifinalists represent less than 1% of all U.S. high school seniors.
Michael said he was "pleasantly surprised" to learn he had been named a Semifinalist because it had been so long since he took the PSAT as a junior. Katherine said she is excited for the possibilities this recognition will open as she prepares her post-secondary plans.
While neither has chosen where they will attend college after graduation, they both know what they want to study. Katherine said she plans to major in engineering, and Michael said he plans to study computer science.
Michael said he has been programming since he was 9 years old and has represented Rudder in programming competitions through SkillsUSA. In addition to programming and SkillsUSA, Michael is also part of the Rudder Boys Gymnastics Team and is also an AP Capstone diploma candidate.
Katherine has been involved in Advanced Academics in Bryan ISD since she was in intermediate school and continued at Bryan High School as part of the International Baccalaureate program. In addition to her high school diploma, she also will receive her IB Diploma. While in Bryan schools, she has also been involved in orchestra, journalism, chess club, Student Ambassadors and National Honor Society. She is also active outside of school through her church, Girl Scouts, piano and figure skating.
Both Katherine and Michael's involvement in and out of school is an example of the opportunities available in Bryan ISD.
Their next steps are to complete the applications required to be considered as a National Merit Finalist. Way to go, Katherine and Michael!