Rocky Senior is National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist

Abigail Calder

Rock Island High School senior Abigail Calder was recently named as one of just 16,000 high school seniors in the United States that are a semifinalist in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

“Being recognized as a National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist is one of the most significant academic honors a student can receive during their high school career,” said Tim Wernentin, Rock Island High School Principal. “We are proud to have a consistent representation of National Merit Scholars at Rock Island High School every year.”

The semifinalists have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award semifinalist must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.

Abigail is the daughter of Kathy and Lendol Calder of Rock Island, and is currently participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange program and is spending the year in Taiwan. She was also named as a Charles O. Austin Jr. Scholar earlier in the school year, a honor that recognizes Rock Island High School senior students who complete six semesters of study and earn a 3.5 GPA or higher during each semester.