Two Vancouver students were named finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program:

• Carla Kolze, Columbia River High School
• Van Higgs, Skyview High School

Both students also earned college-sponsored Merit Scholarships. Higgs received a National Merit Scholarship from the University of Arizona and plans to study physics. Kolze received a National Merit University of Idaho Scholarship and plans to study computer science.

Less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors earn spots in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalist status is based on high scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The process to become a finalist includes submitting a detailed scholarship application, demonstrating an outstanding academic record, earning endorsement by a high school administrator, writing an essay and earning high scores on either the SAT or ACT.  About half of the finalists are selected for Merit Scholarships.