Middleburg Academy seniors, Caswell Bennett of Sterling, and Alex Rossi of Leesburg, have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their exceptional academic promise and achievement.

Caswell Bennett was named a Semifinalist in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program, and Alex Rossi has received word she is a Commended Scholar.

Caswell Bennett is among the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists who represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million.

To be considered for the Merit Scholarship award that will be offered in the spring, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90% of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the full "Merit Scholar" title.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students like Alex Rossi place among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Caswell Bennett, son of Kimberley and Michael Bennett of Sterling, was home-schooled before arriving at Middleburg Academy as the recipient of a four-year Merit Scholarship. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, is a multi-year member of the Science Club, and President of the Robotics and Engineering Club. In addition to his considerable abilities in Science and other academic disciplines -- Caswell earned First Place in Physics at the Shenandoah Regional Science Fair -- he is a strong athlete. Beginning with his freshman year, Bennett has been an important contributor to Middleburg Academy sports, both on the Varsity Golf Team and on the Boys Varsity Basketball Team, for which he plays guard.

Alex Rossi is the daughter of Stephanie and Mark Rossi of Leesburg; she attended Loudoun Country Day School before arriving at Middleburg Academy as a Head of School's Freshman Scholar. Alex Rossi has gone on to achieve Merit Scholarship Awards in each of her subsequent years at the college preparatory high school. She, too, has contributed abundantly to the life of her school: not just in the academic arena, but in her various leadership roles and as a model student-athlete. Alex was elected President of the Student Council for 2012-13 (and has been a member since freshman year); is a member of the National Honor Society; and Past President of The Green Club. Alex has also been a Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse player since her freshman year, including serving as Captain of Varsity Lacrosse her sophomore year.