Clinton Public School District

Clinton High School senior Manas Guduru has been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 71st National Merit Scholarship Program.
 
Guduru is among the one percent of high school students across the country to be recognized as National Merit Semifinalists.

Guduru said he credits his family for his academic success. "My parents and my brother deserve a good bit of credit when it comes to personal guidance and helping me stay on track," he said. "I'm incredibly grateful to have them in my life." 

He said the Clinton Public School District played a large role as well. "The teachers and the staff here have been great mentors helping me learn, thrive and, once again, stay on track." 
 
He has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring.
 
To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.A

A member of the Clinton Tennis Team, Guduru said his future plans consist of attending Mississippi State University where he will seek to major in Biochemistry followed by plans to pursue a career in the medical field. 
 
Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
 
“We are exceptionally proud of Manas,” Clinton High School Principal Dr. Brian Fortenberry said. “We are excited about his participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program and look forward to seeing his progression through his senior year.”