After being named semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program last September, Pinecrest seniors Caleb Miles and Ryan Dixon have advanced to the finalist stage of the competition.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) provided scholarship application materials to semifinalists through their high schools.

To advance to the finalist stage of the competition, semifinalists must have met high academic standards and other requirements.

All winners of Merit Scholarship awards will be chosen from the finalist group based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments — without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

A variety of information is available for NMSC selectors to evaluate — the finalist's academic record, information about the school’s curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, school official’s written recommendation, information about the student’s activities and leadership, and the finalist’s own essay.

Beginning in March and continuing to mid-June, NMSC will notify approximately 8,200 finalists that they have been selected to receive a Merit Scholarship award.

Dixon is the daughter of Mike and Chris Dixon of Pinehurst. Miles is the son of Caleb and Cathy Miles of Southern Pines.