TOLEDO—Justin F. Mrkva, a senior at Toledo St. Francis de Sales High School who plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, has been awarded a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.

Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of approximately 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program. The competition began in October 2007 when more than 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

Last fall, the highest-scoring participants in each state, representing less than one percent of the state’s seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state representational basis. Approximately 15,000 Semifinalists met the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

Those winning scholarships supported by National Merit Scholarship Corporation's own funds have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The winners may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.