Two Alamogordo High School Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Alamogordo Public Schools is proud to announce that two outstanding Alamogordo High School (AHS) seniors, Walter Allen Snyder and Eva Westover, have been recognized as semifinalists in the prestigious 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor earned by less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors each year.

The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, is an academic competition that awards recognition and scholarships to high-achieving students based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. Semifinalist status is an exceptional distinction and places students among the top scorers in the state.

The mission of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC's scholarship programs are:

To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular

To shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education

To stimulate increased support from individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements. Of the 1.3 Million entrants 7580 will be awarded scholarships in 2026.

“These two students exemplify academic excellence, strong character, and the determination to reach their goals,” said AHS Principal April Shay. “We are incredibly proud of Walter and Eva for this national recognition. They are wonderful representatives of what it means to be a Tiger — hardworking, motivated, and committed to making a difference.”

Walter Allen Snyder is a dedicated student leader with a deep commitment to academics, community service, and personal growth. As Deputy Corps Commander in AHS’s Air Force JROTC, he has contributed more than 220 hours of community service and participates in multiple extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Golden Scholars. With aspirations to pursue aerospace engineering and a minor in astronomy at New Mexico State University, Walter credits his strong work ethic to his parents and mentorship from Master Sergeant Hope Sanders, his JROTC instructor.

“Being recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist means I’m being held to a higher standard,” Walter shared. “It motivates me to keep pushing forward.”

Eva Westover, a dual credit student set to graduate with both her high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from NMSU-A, balances her academic pursuits with athletics and service through her church. A member of the AHS tennis team and president of her Young Women’s group, Eva plans to attend Brigham Young University in the fall with the goal of becoming a physician assistant. She credits her success to the support of her family and teachers and encourages younger students to listen,stay curious, and work hard.

“This honor is really a reflection of years of effort,” she said. “It shows me that I’m on the right track.”

Both students have already earned local and state scholarships and continue to serve as role models within their school and community. Their recognition as semifinalists places them in consideration for National Merit Finalist status and potential scholarship awards later this spring.

For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit 

www.nationalmerit.org.

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