Catholic High School administrators are proud to announce that 10 CHS seniors have been named National Merit® Scholarship Semifinalists for 2025. On Wednesday, the National Merit® Scholarship Corporation announced CHS seniors Elliott Eagleton, Joseph Huynh, Caldwell Kerth, Ayden Leonardt, Thomas Miller, Ethan Noel, Noah Olson, Cesar Rico, Hayes Turner, and Michael Wilhelm, Jr. will continue in the competition for more than 6,800 in scholarships worth nearly $26 million. 

CHS Principal Dr. Tom Eldringhoff says the CHS family is incredibly proud of these students' accomplishments.

"This is quite an honor and one that could not happen without these students’ hard work, hours of study and preparation, and dedication to the standard of academic excellence we have at CHS," Dr. Eldringhoff says. "We are certainly proud of these young men and look forward to how they will use their gifts and commitment to hard work!"

To be considered as a National Merit® Finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed application including information about their academic records, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors, and awards. Semifinalists must also be endorsed by a school official, write an essay, and have outstanding grades throughout high school. 

National Merit® Finalists for the Class of 2025 will be named in the spring with nearly half going on to win a National Merit® Scholarship, which would earn the recipient the Merit Scholar® title. 

Congratulations, gentlemen!

Students pictured above are identified as follows (from left): Elliott Eagleton, Noah Olson, Hayes Turner, Michael Wilhelm, Jr., Ayden Leonardt, Thomas Miller, Joseph Huynh, Cesar Rico, Caldwell Kerth, and Ethan Noel.

We would also like to commend the following young men who will receive recognition in the 2025 National Merit® Scholarship Program. Pictured below from Left: Kevin Zheng, Brennan Normand, Max Chamberlin, Jonathan Mekari, and Brady Waguespack.