Three Fairhope High School students are among over 16,000 semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Ethan Sugg, Darwin Hickey and Austin Etheridge have the opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,930 scholarships worth a total of 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 the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.