School

Three Niceville High School students excel as National Merit Semifinalists

Three students from Niceville High School have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, while two students from Fort Walton Beach High School earned commendations, school officials announced this week. Kira Tuper, […]

Jared Williams

Three students from Niceville High School have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, while two students from Fort Walton Beach High School earned commendations, school officials announced this week.

Kira Tuper, Aurora Mendenhall and Brody Plaiser from Niceville High are among 16,000 semifinalists selected from 1.5 million entrants in the National Merit Scholarship competition. The trio scored in the top 1% on the Preliminary SAT exam taken in their junior year.

To become finalists, the students must submit detailed scholarship applications with endorsements from school officials, write essays and earn SAT or ACT scores confirming their performance on the qualifying exam. About 7,250 students will win National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million combined.

(Center L to R: Miller Lindsley and Alessandro Chavarin of Fort Walton Beach High School)

Miller Lindsley and Alessandro Chavarin from Fort Walton Beach High received National Merit Scholarship Commended Student honors. They are among 34,000 recognized for exceptional academic promise, placing them in the top 50,000 PSAT test scorers.

Though they won’t continue in the 2024 scholarship competition, commended students are part of a valuable national resource, said an official with the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

“I am extremely proud of these students and their efforts to earn this Scholarship. It is not an easy process, and those who are recognized at any level for their academic excellence deserve it,” shared Superintendent Marcus Chambers.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Sports

Niceville High School hires veteran coach Greg Thomas to lead offensive line

Athlete of the Week

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Chloe Bailey pitched through pain, a perfect game and back-to-back no-hitters to lead Niceville softball back to state

Sports

The best of 2025-26: A look back at the top 15 Okaloosa & Walton sports highlights

Sports

Niceville softball finishes as runner-up in Class 5A state title game

Patty Novak commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“😢This is so sad. After seeing all that the Gulfarium does to rehabilitate other turtles, this is frustrating.”

Respond

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“4:00”

Mrs. Z commented on Superintendent Chambers addresses accusations, supports the 3 incumbents in upcoming election

“Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Chambers. I will not be voting for the three candidates you recommended. It’s interesting how you have spent years making sure students are held...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“1:22, 4 attempts”

Timothy W Yelverton commented on Col. Terrance Keithley takes command of 96th Test Wing at Eglin

“I sure hope he will change the hunting regulations and let us hunt during the week days this year.”

Brenda J Castillo commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A compromise would be to reduce property taxes for all senior citizens, with restrictions for newcomers. Without restrictions, too many seniors would flock here. Maybe seniors who have their homes...”

Robin commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“Just heartbreaking.”

Neal Brickner commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A 3 percent reduction on a budget that's almost doubled in 6 years. Come on. How could they possibly do it? They might actually have to drive their personal vehicle...”

Ken commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“We can also sell the naming rights to roads. Eglin Parkway becomes Amazon Road, for example.”

Keith in Crestview commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“So sick of politicks complaining they cant live on less blood from the host. You and I are the host! CUT! CUT! CUT! Enough! Why does a county have VA...”