NATCHEZ—Joseph Braden Starr, 17, a senior at Cathedral High School, has been named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

Starr will have the opportunity to compete for one of 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of those will win a National Merit Scholarship.

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. It underwrites Scholarships with its own funds and from business and individual donors.

Starr is the son of Jody and Kristen Starr.

Starr has narrowed his college choices to three: the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey College, and the University of South Florida. He plans to study medicine.

At Cathedral, Starr is part of the Peer Ministry Team and the National Honor Society. He also enjoys playing video games and golf.

“I’m excited (about earning Semifinalist in the scholarship competition),” he said.

He scored a 32 on his ACT but plans to retake it next month, hoping for a higher score.