(02/14/2025) Six Anoka-Hennepin seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists, and each is in the running to earn one of the 6,870 scholarships of up to $2,500 for college.

National Merit Scholarship finalists:

• Jaxon Knutson, Andover High School.
• Kieran Hobot, Blaine High School.
• Noah Johnson, Champlin Park High School.
• Elizabeth Mayor, Champlin Park High School.
• Cole Burnett, Coon Rapids High School.
• Aidan C. Hofstedt, Coon Rapids High School.

About 16,000 students nationally were named National Merit semifinalists. The six Anoka-Hennepin students now join around 15,000 students as finalists. 

To become finalists, students submit a detailed scholarship application, providing information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors and awards received, among other requirements.

All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of finalists. About 770 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships will be provided and about 150 colleges and universities are expected to finance 3,600 college-sponsored scholarships.

National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.