Eastern Iowa National Merit scholars announced

Five Eastern Iowans are among the 2,500 high school students who have won National Merit $2,500 Scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

These Merit Scholar designees were chosen from more than 15,000 finalists in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program.

National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors. These scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Winning scholars from Eastern Iowa include:

• Emily R. Barz, Dubuque High School
• James M. O'Donnell, Iowa City West High School
• Christopher G. Robertson, Iowa City High School
• Kui Tang, Iowa City West High School
• Carlton R. Keedy, Monticello High School