A Booker T. Washington High School student has been named to the semifinals for the National Achievement Scholarship, sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Branch A. Robinson of Pensacola is among 1,600 African-American students who were named semifinalists last week.

Semifinalists and their schools will submit a scholarship application that provides information for the final round of scholarship competition. The application will include the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received.

Each student must also have a recommendation from a high school official, write an essay and earn an SAT score that confirms his or her performance on the qualifying test. Finalists will be selected based on their abilities, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Students may earn one of two National Achievement Scholarships – 700 one-time $2,500 scholarships awarded by region and approximately 100 renewable scholarships for finalists who meet additional criteria set by corporate scholarship sponsors.

The winners for 2015 will be announced in April.

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