SBEC seniors Mary Morgan Gladney, James Tobermann and Rachel-Chloe Gibbs have been named National Merit semifinalists in the 55th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are now eligible to advance in competition for the distinction of National Merit finalists and become eligible for college sponsored, corporate-sponsored, and National Merit Corporation scholarship opportunities. Approximately 16,000 of the more than 1.5 million juniors across the nation took the National Merit Qualifying Test, also known as the PSAT, were recognized as semifinalists. Of the 5,953 students in Mississippi who took the qualifying test, 142 earned semifinalist recognition. To continue on in the competition, these students will confirm their PSAT score by taking the SAT and submitting an application which includes an essay and resume of school and community involvement.  Gibbs is the daughter of Richard and Karen Gibbs of Nesbit; Gladney is the daughter of Tom and Andrea Gladney of Olive Branch; and Tobermann is the son of Bob and Becky Tobermann of Southaven. (Courtesy photo)