Birdville ISD is proud to announce that one of our outstanding high school students has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist – an honor earned by fewer than 1% of high school seniors nationwide.

Emma Pitner, a senior at Birdville High School, has achieved this prestigious recognition through exceptional academic performance on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Out of more than 1.3 million students who entered the competition by taking the PSAT, only about 16,000 students in the United States earned the distinction of semifinalist.

Following graduation, Emma is currently planning on attending Harding University and majoring in biomedical engineering to pursue a career in prosthetics. 

“I have always tried really hard in academics, and financially, I have always wanted to help my parents in paying for my college education,” Emma said. “I want to try and pay them back for everything they have done for me, and that is part of why I am so overjoyed to receive this. This is an external validation of everything I have been working towards.” 

The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, is one of the most respected academic competitions in the country. The program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. 

To become a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership roles, employment, and honors and awards received. They must also be endorsed by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their earlier performance on the PSAT.

Finalists will be announced in early 2026, and approximately 7,500 students across the country will receive National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million combined.

“We are extremely proud of Emma for this tremendous achievement,” said Tim Drysdale, Birdville High principal. “Emma’s work ethic, character, and dedication to her studies have led to her receiving this well-deserved recognition. She represents the very best of what it means to be a Birdville Hawk, excelling not only in academics but also as a well-rounded student leader.”