Midway High School seniors Alastair McGrath and Ty Roenfanz have been named National Merit Finalists, placing them among the top high school scholars in the country.
Earning this prestigious recognition is no small feat. McGrath and Roenfanz first qualified as Semifinalists in September, ranking in the top 1 percent of students nationwide based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. To advance to Finalist standing, they submitted a comprehensive application highlighting their outstanding academic performance, leadership, community service, and personal achievements, along with a school recommendation.
Now, as Finalists, they are in contention for National Merit Scholarships, as well as additional scholarships from universities and corporate sponsors. Scholarship recipients will be announced this spring.
“This is a tremendous honor for Alastair and Ty, and for Midway ISD,” said Midway High School Principal Alison Smith. “They have demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent, and we could not be prouder of their hard work and achievements.”
The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States, with about 15,000 students advancing to Finalist status each year. Roughly 7,500 of those students will be awarded scholarships.
For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.
Alastair McGrath
Alastair McGrath is the son of Tom and Cynthia McGrath of Woodway. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a member of National Honor Society, a Spirit of Midway award recipient, and a silver medalist in Le Grand Concours (National French Contest). Alastair is a 7-year orchestra member and currently plays cello in the Midway Varsity Symphony Orchestra. He volunteers with Project Lifeforce and the Hewitt Public Library and is active in First Woodway Youth. His plans after graduation are to pursue a degree in statistics and mathematics.
Ty Roenfanz
Ty Roenfanz is the son of Troy and Amy Roenfanz of Waco. He is in the National Honors Society, is an AP Distinguished Scholar and is a member of the Midway High School Philharmonic Orchestra and Robotics. He volunteers with various events held by the Surrey Village Neighborhood Association and plans to attend Texas A&M to study engineering after graduation.
