Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced the semifinalists in the 69th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program, including Newtown students Adrian Totir and Andrew Arena.

The Newtown High School seniors were selected for their performance on the PSAT standardized test, joining around 16,000 semifinalists in the program nationwide.

As semifinalists, Adrian and Andrew have an opportunity to continue in the competition for around 7,140 National Merit Scholarships offered next spring — worth nearly $28 million in total.

To be considered for a scholarship, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level.

According to the organization, about 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win an award and earn the title of Merit Scholar.

2024 Scholarship Winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases from the NMSC, beginning in April and concluding in July.

Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.