John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham recently announced that of the 16,000 semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, senior Will Magruder was named as one of the semifinalists. Magruder is the son of Billy and Terri Magruder and attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School K-8th grade. As academically talented high school seniors, the semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. 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 title of Merit Scholar.