Central High School senior Thomas W. Ottinger has advanced to Finalist standing in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. The candidates are chosen through their demonstration of distinguished performance and high potential for future academic accomplishment.

The selection of 8,000 Merit Scholarship winners from a group of 15,000 Finalists is now in progress. Winners will be informed of their status in March.

Recently, Thomas was recognized at the SJSD board meeting for his perfect ACT score of 36. The St. Joseph School District Board of Education also recognized him for his nomination as a Presidential Scholar.

For more information regarding the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit http://www.nationalmerit.org/