Several Butler County students are among the thousands named as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

These students were selected based on their scores on the Pre-SAT test they took as juniors last school year.

About 16,000 students were named as semifinalists. To continue in the scholarship competition, they must have high grades, be recommended by the school principal, and do well on the SAT. Students must also submit an application and essay.

In the spring, 2,500 scholarship will be awarded.

Students from this area include:

• Kristina Miller of Grove City High School

• Megan Abbate and Nathaniel Boros of Seneca Valley High School

• Dale Barnhart of Karns City High School

• Michael Magliocca of Slippery Rock High School

• Elisabeth Marsch a home school student from the Slippery Rock area