Oak Knoll senior Caroline Hall from New Providence, New Jersey, was recently named as a finalist in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Hall, who was among nearly 16,000 semifinalists last fall based on PSAT scores during her junior year, is now in the running to become an official Merit Scholar designee, by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Merit Scholars, to be announced between April-July, 2020, will compete for more than 7,600 scholarships worth more than $31 million.

“The education I have received from Oak Knoll has helped foster my love of learning and my critical-thinking skills,” Hall said. “I’m so grateful to be recognized as a National Merit finalist.”

The Merit Scholar designees are chosen from the semifinalist group based on abilities, skills and accomplishments — without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

A variety of information is available for NMSC selectors to evaluate: the finalist’s academic record, information about the school’s curricula and grading system, PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score, the high school official’s written recommendation, information about the student’s activities and leadership, and the finalist’s own essay.

“We are incredibly proud that Caroline has advanced into the Merit Scholar finalist pool,” said Jennifer G. Landis, Oak Knoll’s Associate Head of School/Upper School Division Head. “This recognition proves her commitment to academic excellence and we are delighted for her to represent the Oak Knoll student body and our dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. We are excited to join her on this journey toward earning the Merit Scholar title.”

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMC with its own funds and by approximately 400 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.