NEENAH, WI – St. Mary Catholic Schools is proud to announce SMCHS senior Charles (Charlie) Cedergren, son of Christine Cedergren and Thomas Cedergren, is among this year’s list of  National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists. 

In order to be named a finalist, both he and SMCHS must submit a detailed application including his academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities and honors and awards received. Further requirements include an outstanding academic record throughout high school, being endorsed and recommended by a high school official, writing an essay and earning an SAT score that confirms the earlier qualifying test results. 

As a Semifinalist, Cedergren’s score ranks in the top one percent of more than 1.4 million students who took the PSAT last year. 

“We are extremely proud of Charlie Cedergren’s recognition as a Semifinalist in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program,” SMCHS Principal Patti Fouts said. “This level of recognition is a testament to his dedication and pursuit of academic excellence.”

Honorees who are then further honored as National Merit Scholar Finalists in spring 2024 are eligible for associated scholarships worth thousands of dollars. Finalists are selected based on SAT score, excellent academic record, community service, leadership abilities, and recommendations from a high school official.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program and honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.