Five seniors from The O'Neal School were named as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program. They are Sarah Gehle, Laura Shupeck, Katie Terry, Kathryn Thornton and Kristopher Wold

The National Merit Scholarship Program has named approximately 16,000 semifinalists. These seniors have the opportunity to continue in competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards worth $33 million that will be offered in the spring of 2007.

Sarah Gehle is from Pinehurst and is the daughter of Kim Gehle and Jim Gehle. She has been an active member of the O'Neal Volunteers for the last three years; is a member of the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society; and is the recipient of several academic awards for each year of her high school career.

Laura Shupeck, also from Pinehurst, is the daughter of Drs. Malcolm Shupeck and Neena Sodhi. She has been a member of the varsity swim team for the last four years and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Katie Terry of Pinehurst is the daughter of Alan and Penny Terry. She is a Holmberg Scholar and has received the Headmaster's Achievement Award for the last three years. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society, and has won numerous academic awards.

Kathryn Thornton is from Southern Pines and is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David Thornton. She has also been an active member of the O'Neal Volunteers for the last three years; is a member of the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society; has been a member of the varsity basketball team; and is also the recipient of numerous academic awards.

Kristopher Wold is from Sanford and is the son of Yvonne Wold. He has been a member of the varsity cross country and track and field teams for the last four years; has received the Headmaster's Achievement Award twice; is a member of the Cum Laude society and National Honor Society; and has also received numerous academic awards.

"We are very proud of these students," says Headmaster, John Neiswender. "Our 2007 senior class has 47 students. For O'Neal to have five National Merit Semifinalists is reflective of the dedication our students have to their studies."