Elwood Siblings Among 2017 National Merit Semifinalists

Two Elwood-John H. Glenn High School siblings were recently named semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Twins David and Michael Hermanns have qualified to compete for more than 7,500 National Merit Scholarships totaling approximately $33 million.

The siblings have been chosen out of approximately 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools throughout the nation. Both students took the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and received high scores. The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than 1 percent of the nation’s high school seniors. The students are now two of the 16,000 semifinalists in the 62^nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program and will continue to compete to become finalists.

The brothers are dedicated students who are both currently enrolled in four Advanced Placement courses.

“We are very proud of them,” said Principal Carisa Burzynski. “They are all around good kids; respectful, smart, kind and humble.”

The siblings are also leaders in the community and are passionate about volunteer work, which includes participating in youth group and rebuilding homes during the summer.

National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists David Hermanns (middle left) and Michael Hermanns (middle right) with Principal Carisa Burzynski (far left) and Assistant Principal Tom Colletti (far right).

Siblings David Hermanns (left) and Michael Hermanns (right) from the Elwood Union Free School District have qualified as two of the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.

Photos courtesy of the Elwood Union Free School District