CHS Senior Senf Named National Merit Semifinalist

Thomas Senf, a senior at Corinth High School, is a semifinalist in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. He joins approximately 16,000 other high school seniors in receiving this honor. He will continue in the national competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million. 

Representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, the semifinalists include the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Over 1.5 million juniors entered the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT which served as the initial screen of program entrants. 

Thomas was pleased when he received this honor. “I feel overjoyed,” said Thomas. “It has been the most gratifying experience receiving national recognition for my academic achievements as well as receiving support from the school district’s staff. It is awesome.”

In addition to this distinction, Thomas has achieved many academic awards and participated in leadership opportunities throughout his high school career. He received the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma with distinction. He made a 35 on the ACT, has a 4.35 GPA and is ranked #1 in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, CHS Academic Team, Mu Alpha Theta, Junior Leadership of Alcorn and Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy. Additionally, he is a member in the following clubs: Environmental Club, C Club, Science Club and Historical Society. He has participated in robotics for five years and won 1st place at the Northwest Shoal Community College BEST Robotics and South’s Best Qualifier. He is a Future Business Leaders of America national qualifier, having received first place at the state level for human resource management. Thomas has also been involved in archery for six years and winter guard for one year. 

As a member of the award-winning CHS Band, he is currently clarinet section leader. He is a two-time qualifier for the Mississippi State University Honor Band and the Ole Miss Honor Band while also qualifying for the Mid-South Honor Band. 

Additionally, he is an Eagle Scout and has been a patrol leader. He has been involved with Rotary for 8 years and with Corinth Theater Arts for 12 years. 

In college, Thomas plans to major in biology on a pre-medicine track with a minor in psychology. His dream college is University of Vermont. 

His time at CHS helped prepare him for this competition and for the future. “Corinth High School has given me every opportunity I could ever ask for,” said Thomas. “Be it leadership camps and positions, ways to get involved in my community, or show off academically at the state and national level, Corinth High School is always making sure its students and I are graduate ready.”

Corinth High School congratulates Thomas on this exceptional honor and wishes him all the best as he continues to compete for National Merit Scholarships this spring.