The National Merit Scholarship Program has named 81 Houston Independent School District seniors as 2021 semifinalists.

The high school seniors have an opportunity to compete for approximately 7,600 scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. Nationwide there are approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

“We are proud of our global scholars who are competing with their peers from across the nation for this prestigious academic honor,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “We support and encourage them to maintain the level of excellence that has resulted in their semifinalist designation, despite challenges they may face in this year of flexibility.”

Click here to see the list of HISD students who are national semifinalists. They attend the following schools:

Bellaire High School Carnegie Vanguard High School Challenge Early College High School Chavez High School DeBakey High School for Health Professions Energy Institute High School Heights High School Kinder HSPVA Lamar High School Westside High School

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must advance to the finalist level of the competition. To become a finalist, semifinalists and an official at their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. Semifinalists must also write an essay.