MADISON – For two consecutive years, Madison students earning the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist have outnumbered all other school districts in Alabama.

Bob Jones High School has 15 semifinalists, while James Clemens has seven — a combined total of 22 students. Last year, Madison had 24 National Merit Semifinalists.

At Bob Jones, these students are Megan A. Carter, Aidan P. Crowe, Mary E. Crumbley, Vi T. Dang, Brody C. DeSilva, Nathan C. Fox, Camille Y. Hebert, Katelyn S. McWhirter, David E. Mok, Alan Philip-George, Nicolas Sartor, Siddharth Srikakolapu, Tina Tian, Lafe Wallour and Max A. Ward.

National Merit Semifinalists at James Clemens are Joshua C. Abreo, Yasanka Chalasani, Sai P. Chennupati, Jared R. Kennard, Richard A. King, Kaitlynn S. Krupp and Jacob P Laney.

National Merit Semifinalists rank as the top one percent of students in the United States’ 30,517 public and private high schools. Semifinalists can continue to compete in 2015 for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships that are worth tens of millions of dollars.

“They are the brightest of the bright,” Bob Jones Principal Robby Parker said. “These students have distinguished themselves by high academic performances,” James Clemens Principal Dr. Brian Clayton said.

“Colleges are offering less scholarships due to the economy,” Bob Jones College and Career Advisor Sheila P. Roberts said. “A national merit finalist used to receive a full ride at Auburn and Alabama. Now, it’s full tuition and one year of housing.”

Emphasis “on ‘test-prep'” helps Bob Jones students, Roberts said.

“This tremendous effort reflects the high expectations of the Madison Board of Education, our elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, staff and community,” Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said. “This is truly a community effort, and we all celebrate the success of these hardworking students and those behind them.”