The Eanes ISD National Merit semifinalists attended the Jan. 28 school board meeting in honor of their academic accomplishments.

The board of trustees recognized the 51 Westlake High School students who have been named semifinalists for the 2019-20 school year, breaking the district’s record of 47 students, according to Superintendent Tom Leonard.

The 51 students represent a plethora of academic and athletic activities, according to Westlake High School Principal Steve Ramsey, who said this has been the most diverse group of semifinalists.

“This is the greatest mixture of students we’ve ever had,” Ramsey said.

The students in attendance shared their anticipated college plans and areas of study along with stories regarding their most influential teachers.



EISD stated nationwide, semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Those recognized as semifinalists will now be considered as potential recipients of one of 7,600 National Merit Scholarships.

Semifinalists will now advance to the final level of the merit competition. Finalists will be announced in February.