All five Pelham Memorial High School students who were selected as National Merit Semifinalists in the fall have moved on to be Finalists in the 2018-19 scholarship competition.

Elise Aronson, Rachel Brewer, Richard Che, Ben Glickman and Liam Ronan were among the 15,000 students nationwide given the honor, according to a Pelham School District press release. Half of that total will win approximately 7,500 Merit Scholarships, with winners being announced April through July.

“The fact that all five of our semifinalists advanced to the next round is extremely impressive,” said PMHS Principal Jeannine Clark in the statement. “To be among the thousands of incredibly talented students from across the country is truly special and is a reflection of the countless hours of hard work put in by Elise, Rachel, Richard, Ben and Liam, as well as their teachers.”

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.