National Merit Finalists named

Two Cape Girardeau Central High School seniors have been announced as finalists in an annual academic competition for recognition and scholarships.

Veronica Ely, daughter of Candace Ely, and Lizzie Nussbaum, daughter of Mark and Sarah Nussbaum, are being recognized for their scores on the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. According to the corporation that runs the competition, their scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Students selected as finalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state and represent less than 1 percent of each state's high school seniors.

Ely and Nussbaum are the 90th and 91st students of the school to receive the recognition.