Two students from Providence Classical Christian School in Kirkland have been named semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The seniors come from a class of 12 and will compete this spring for their share of the 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $32 million. Seniors Daniel Jekel, whose brother won a National Merit Scholarship in 2011, and Wesley Su have both attended Providence since kindergarten.

Twenty percent of Providence graduates over the past 12 years have been recognized in the nationwide contest. This number includes two National Merit winners, two finalists, two semifinalists and 12 Commended scholars. Providence is a small school of approximately 200 with senior classes that range from 3-15 students.

Since 2003, seniors in all but three of these classes have been recognized in the prestigious contest.