Two Newtown High School students — Sophia Guizzo and Jake Pare — have been named as semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship program.

The announcement was made at the school on September 12.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. It was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program, according to the corporation. High school students are entered into the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

For the National Merit Scholarship program, 16,000 semifinalists were named, and each of the chosen semifinalists can continue in the competition. To continue in the competition, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level, according to the corporation.

For the September 12 announcement, Sophia and Jake met in the school’s counseling office, where NHS Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco, counselors, and other school staff were ready to congratulate the students for the accomplishment. Both students had come from Advance Placement Computer Science class in order to attend the announcement.

“We’re super proud of you,” Dr Longobucco said.

Both Jake and Sophia said they are excited at the news.

Dr Longobucco said the school is hopeful both students will “move on in the process” of the scholarship program, before offering her congratulations.