Dalton, GA — Dalton Public Schools proudly announces that Dalton High School students CenCen Wan and Hope Hambrock have been names Finalists for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. This significant achievement places them among the top academic scholars in the nation.
More than 16,000 Semifinalists were selected nationwide based on their exceptional performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of those, approximately 15,000 have now been recognized as Finalists after meeting the rigorous academic and program requirements established by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
To earn Finalist distinction, Wan and Hambrock demonstrated consistently outstanding academic records throughout high school, earned confirming SAT or ACT scores, submitted detailed scholarship applications—including a personal essay—and received endorsements from Dalton High School leadership.
As Finalists, they are now eligible to compete for over 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million, which will be awarded this spring. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments, including academic record, school and community activities, demonstrated leadership, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates CenCen Wan and Hope Hambrock on this extraordinary academic honor. Their achievement brings pride to Dalton High School and reflects the district’s commitment to academic excellence.
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