Alec Janowski, a senior at Niles High School, has been named a semifinalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in its 63rd annual contest.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition, where high school students have the chance to win scholarship funds. To enter the competiong, applicants must take the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

The highest-ranking student in his class, Janowski earned a 4.28 grade point average and is a National Honor Society member.

“Alec is probably the most driven student I have encountered in my 30-plus years in education. He is a sponge for learning and seeks out the most rigorous courses to challenge himself,” said Niles High School Principal, Molly Brawley. “Alec is a leader in action and deed, and lives by a code of integrity and high standards. I have no doubt his character will not only help him succeed later in life, but his interests and his drive will impact the world.”

Janowski is also currently enrolled at Lake Michigan College through the Niles Community Schools dual enrollment program. He also attends Berrien County Math and Science Center.

Outside of school, he plays baseball for Niles High School, volunteers as a youth group leader through Old School Baseball/Fellowship of Christian Athletes and tutors other students.

Janowski, along with other semifinalists, will compete for approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level. About 90 percent of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.