SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WKRG) – Kudos to five students from Spanish Fort High School who were named finalists for National Merit. It is the first time in 16 years of school history that five students have been selected at the same time.

The school organized a small ceremony Monday morning for the students and their families. To become a finalist, students must have a higher score on their PSAT, among other qualifications. Only 15,000 students are selected as finalists across the county.

“It was really exciting to have received the call just before starting school work that it was official that I was a national finalist for merit. My mom was jumping up and down for me and we were all very excited, ”said Katherine Clemmons, who was one of the recognized students on Monday.

Once students achieve finalist status, their academic records, extracurricular activities, community service, recommendations from their school, and a personal essay all count towards the title. The program offers scholarships each year to thousands of students.

Hannah Richerson, Caroline Triboni, Richard Fang, Katherine Clemmons and Bennett Booth were all selected as finalists.