KILLEEN, Texas — Two Killeen ISD students are in the final round of cuts to possibly win scholarships this spring.
Harker Heights High School seniors John Beliveau and Kiera Sandifer have been selected as finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, Killeen ISD has announced. In addition to the prestigious title, the honor also comes with the chance to win scholarship money, according to the district.
“This is an amazing accomplishment,” KISD Superintendent Jo Ann Fey said. “We’re incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment to excellence that is reflected behind it.”
According to KISD, Beliveau and Sandifer were notified in the fall that they had been selected as semifinalists in the competition. To move on to the finals, the two reportedly submitted applications with information like their academic records, school and community activities, leadership characteristics and awards.
KISD described Beliveau as a “dedicated STEM student” who attended Nolanville Elementary, Smith Middle School and Nolan Middle School before enrolling at Harker Heights High School.
Beliveau is reportedly a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club and Life Scouts, and is also taking classes at Central Texas College.
Sandifer comes from a military family and has studied in multiple states, including Mississippi, Georgia, California and now, most recently, Texas, according to KISD. She reportedly has “excelled” in technical theater, archery and academics, the district said.
“John and Kiera’s hard work and dedication have earned them this incredible honor,” Harker Heights High School principal Jorge Soldevila said. “We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see where their futures take them.”
Killeen ISD said around 1.3 million students across the U.S. enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year, with only around 16,000 making it to the Semifinalist stage. About 95% of those students advance as Finalists, said KISD, and around half are awarded scholarships based on things like their academic records, test scores, essays and recommendations.
The final round of scholarship selections will reportedly be announced in April.
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