Local high school students named National Merit semifinalists

BOSSIER PARISH, La. – Benton High’s John “JJ” Mason and Airline High’s Austin Harkins have been named Semifinalists in the 71st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program, according to the Bossier Parish School website. 

They were recognized for their outstanding academic performance and will advance in the 2026 competition for nearly 7,000 scholarships worth $26 million.

More than 1.3 million students entered the program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, with fewer than 1 percent earning Semifinalist status. About 95 percent are expected to become Finalists, with nearly half earning scholarships.

In addition, five parish students were named Commended Scholars: Kate Tynes and Kent Lolley of Airline, Amelia Stringer of Benton, and Mason Anderson and Charley McAnn of Haughton. Commended Scholars place among the top 50,000 entrants nationwide