National Merit Scholarship semifinalists announced; 6 from Osceola County
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors 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.
Of those, six call Osceola County home: Oassi Ahmed and Zachary Galan of Celebration High, Amanda Lowry, Aidan Roush and Bhargav Tailor of Tohopekaliga High, and Owen Mehaffie of St. Cloud High.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, the organization said.
SeaWorld offering free admission to teachers
SeaWorld Orlando will offer SeaWorld Florida Teacher Cards to all active and certified K-12 Florida school teachers, offering unlimited admission through Sept. 4, 2025. Plus, Florida Teacher Card Holders have the option to add Aquatica Orlando for $47.99, as well as discounted guest tickets valid through Oct. 4, 2024.
Registration for this program is available online to public school teachers through GovX. Eligible private school teachers can provide a letter from the principal on school letterhead confirming employment as a K-12 teacher along with a Florida photo ID and their most recent (30 days) paystub to SeaWorld front gate entrance.
For more information regarding the Florida Teacher Card, visit https://seaworld. com/orlando/tickets/freeflorida-teacher-card/.
