The Port Jefferson School District is pleased to announce that two high school seniors, Xinyi Hong and Richard Liebert, have been selected as semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The seniors are among the approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who qualified for the honor based on their high PSAT scores. They will continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million.

Xinyi, who intends to study within the field of sciences in college, is a member of the high school’s STEM club, Science Olympiad Team, Environmental Club and National Honor Society.  She also plays the viola and participates in the International Omega program.

Richard, whose goal is to become an engineer, is a member of the high school’s robotics club, STEM club, Science Olympiad Team and National Honor Society. He is also a dancer.