A Knoxville student has qualified for a National Merit Scholarship, as one of 2,500 selected from around the country.

Elliot Schmidt has been awarded $2,500 from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; he was one of over 15,000 students under consideration for a scholarship, whose recipients are determined by a selection committee.

This committee considers a student’s academic record, scores from two standardized tests, contributions in school and community activities, an essay from the finalist and a recommendation from a school official.

Elliot plans to attend Dordt University in Sioux Center; he’s considering studying chemical engineering.