Pelham Memorial High School seniors Leila Brady, Katie Brandler, Victor Chang, Julia Meyerson and Adina Sasson have been named semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, according to a press release Wednesday from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

A total of more than 16,000 students from across the country were so named.

“These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring,” said the release. “To be considered for a merit scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.”