Two Potomac Students Earn National Merit Scholarships

Seniors Audrey Rentzepis and Max Zeldes were among the winners in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Both have been awarded a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship supported by National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s own funds.

The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. All seven of Potomac's National Merit Scholarship semifinalists advanced to the finalist standing. They are seniors Katharine Kanner-Bitetti, Kate Tuttle, Rentzepis, Abigail Park, Paul Witkop, Daniel Overdeck, and Zeldes.

National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

These scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.