Michelle Lee of Seaside and 20 York Students

Have been named "commended students" by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

In addition, Graham Home, a York senior, was named a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Students earn a commendation by the National honors program by scoring on the top 5 percent of the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.

Michelle Lee learned of her honor during the Seaside High homecoming rally. She was stunned, and her parents and friends beaming.

The 20 York students who earned the National Merit commendation represent 40 percent of the 2012 Class. They are: Cobi Allen, Eli Block, Karen Chen, Michael Cho, Clara Cushing, Tizoc Franco, Gabrielle Jardini, Sonja Kasky,Haley Lane, Matthew Lindly, Collin McDowell, Gabrielle Micheletti, Angela Ng, Alexander Ody, Mark Reyes, Brandon Saisho, Alex Scott, William Shearer, Aaron Shi, Kristina Uchida.

Commended students are named on the basis of a national index score that may vary from year to year. Although commended students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

Are there any other Commended Students in Monterey County we don't know about yet? Let us know so we can brag about them!