PARK CITY, UT - On September 11th, Park City High School announced that senior Malachi Merrill has been named a National Merit Semifinalist, placing him among the top 1% of high school students nationwide. This prestigious recognition is awarded based on outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Merrill now has the opportunity to compete for finalist status and eventually for one of the 7,500 National Merit Scholarships.

With the support of his school counselor, Liz Moskal, Merrill will submit an application that includes an essay, details of his academic record, and endorsements. Over 90% of semifinalists advance to finalist status, and Merrill is eager to take the next steps.

When asked about his future plans, Merrill said, “I’m hoping to attend BYU or maybe a school in California. This recognition opens a lot of doors, and I’m excited to explore my options.”

Merrill and his family, including his father Seth, moved to Park City from Murray last year. Reflecting on the move, Seth shared, “We haven’t been here long, but the school community has been incredibly supportive. I’m grateful for the opportunities Malachi has had at Park City High.”

Congratulations to Malachi Merrill on this remarkable achievement! His hard work and determination reflect the academic excellence we strive for, and the entire Park City School District community is cheering him on as he represents us in the next phase of this prestigious award.