MIDDLEBURY — MUHS student James “Penn” Riney of Cornwall has been named a finalist in the 68th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program:

Riney is among 15,000 finalists throughout the nation who are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered later this spring. Riney will receive a Certificate of Merit from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation honoring his achievement. About half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.