The Mercer Island School District and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the selection of four Mercer Island High School students as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Mercer Island’s 2014 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists are Lauren Hsue, David Emanuels, Louis Lam and Carlin Chuck.

“I could not be more proud of Lauren, David, Louis and Carlin. This accomplishment is a result of their dedication and focus,” said MIHS Principal Vicki Puckett. “Congratulations for our four National Merit semifinalists for this distinctive honor.”

Seventeen-year-old Hsue has not chosen a college yet, but is interested in Stanford University and Brown University. “I would like to go into medicine, although I am not sure what specialty I intend to pursue. At the moment, I consider orthopedic surgery and anesthesia my main interests. A career in medicine would allow me to use my strengths to help others, and would bring me plenty of opportunity for lifelong learning in a constantly-evolving field,” said Hsue.

Emanuels, who also has an interest in becoming a doctor, says, “My teachers have done a great job incorporating new technology, current events, and global issues into their curriculum and have helped me develop my critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, which I feel has prepared me very well for college and my future career.”

“Particularly in the last few years, instructors have really emphasized the practical applications of class material,” says Hsue. “Last year our AP Calculus class studied rates of change using newspaper articles, most of which dealt with global economics. This year, my studies in Business Law will touch on small business ownership and on corporate regulation policy. More generally, my education prepared me to effectively analyze arguments and opinions; acknowledge alternate viewpoints; and extend basic skills and knowledge to solve an unfamiliar problem. Success in the 21st century economy depends on lessons like these.”

“This is a tremendous achievement for these students and we are incredibly proud of them,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. “I look forward to recognizing them before a joint meeting of the Mercer Island School Board and City Council on Oct. 2.”

These four semifinalists are among about 16,000 selected nationally from approximately 1.5 million entrants. Semifinalists represent the top one percent of entrants from each state on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

To advance to finalist standing, each semifinalist must submit an application including essays and examples of extracurricular achievements and leadership positions. Finalists, typically about 15,000 students, will compete for scholarships of up to $2,500.

NMSC, an independent not-for-profit organization, was established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Since its founding, NMSC has recognized 2.9 million students and provided over 377,000 scholarships worth about $1.5 billion.