Allen a National Merit semifinalist

Benjamin Allen of Bella Vista, a student at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in Hot Springs, has been named a National Merit semifinalist for the 2017-18 academic year. To be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as a junior.

Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist standing, including a detailed scholarship application that includes information about the semifinalist's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Community on 10/04/2017