Thornton Academ students, from left, Anh Quynh (Madeline) Nguyen, Caden Falardeau and Shelby Heiman, and Anh Quynh (Madeline) Nguyen are among more than 1.5 million students in about 21,000 high schools who entered the 2020 National Merit® Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). SUBMITTED PHOTO

SACO — Thornton Academy is thrilled to announce that three of its students have been named National Merit® Scholar Semifinalists.

Caden Falardeau, Shelby Heiman, and Anh Quynh (Madeline) Nguyen are among more than 1.5 million students in about 21,000 high schools who entered the 2020 National Merit® Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Their scores place them in the top one percent of all high school seniors nationwide, making them eligible to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit® Scholarships worth more than $31 million with these coveted scholarships to be awarded in the spring of 2020.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

More than 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Falardeau, son of Lisa and Marc Falardeau of Saco, participates on the Civil Rights Team, Math Team, and is a member of the Tabletop Gaming Club.

Heiman, daughter of Michelle and Andrew Heiman of Arundel, participates in National Honor Society, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Singers, drama (musicals and one-acts), soccer, Ski Club, Sign Language Club, and Rock Climbing Club.

Nguyen, daughter of Ha Nguyen and Yen Pham of Vietnam, is Co-President of Interact Club, Co-President of the Environmental Club, and participates in Math Team, TA Tour Guides, and TA’s Student Media Team.