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Four Okaloosa students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Four Okaloosa County high school students have qualified as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, placing them among the top one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
From left: Choctawhatchee High School students Jonathan Curtis and Tina Le, and Niceville High School students Lily Suttlemyre and William Cupp have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. (Photo provided)

Four Okaloosa County students have been named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship competition, making them eligible to compete for scholarships valued at nearly $26 million nationwide.

  • The semifinalists include Lily Suttlemyre and William Cupp from Niceville High School, and Jonathan Curtis and Tina Le from Choctawhatchee High School.

“I am extremely proud of these students and their dedication in achieving this recognition,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. “The process is rigorous, and those honored at any level for their academic excellence deserve it.”

To qualify for the prestigious program, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test during their junior year. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are the highest-scoring entrants in their respective states.

To advance to finalist status, the students must maintain their academic excellence, submit a comprehensive scholarship application, receive a school official’s endorsement, write an essay, and achieve qualifying SAT or ACT scores.

Finalists will compete for one of 6,870 National Merit Scholarships.

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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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“Where do you park? Should run a shuttle for HI owners”
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“They have served great food items and the staff is friendly and ready to make the Sandpiper owners and guests feel welcome and appreciated! I heard the Saturday music is...”
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“Interesting Risk, limiting your customer base. Wishes for success.”
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“Beulah & I extend heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for your decades of highly skilled, compassionate care for our community and my family. We love you & Cathy and pray God’s...”
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“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”
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