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KINGSPORT, TENN. – Dobyns-Bennett High School senior Liam Klug has been named a winner in the 70th Annual 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes the top high school students in the United States. Klug was selected from over 15,000 top Finalists nationwide to receive a $2,500 scholarship.
"Being named a National Merit Scholar recipient is an exceptional honor," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Brian Tate. "We are incredibly proud that Liam has been recognized by the National Merit program, which acknowledged his outstanding academic achievements and extracurricular involvement in awarding him this prestigious scholarship."
National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.
These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
High school juniors entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screening of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
From the Semifinalist group, over 15,000 students met the high academic standard and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. By the conclusion of the 2025 program, more than 6,930 Finalists will have earned the "Merit Scholar" title and received a total of nearly $26 million in college scholarships.
For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Program, please contact the Dobyns-Bennett High School Counseling Office at (423) 378.8409 or visit nationalmerit.org.
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
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