Lower Dauphin High School senior Tobias Waters was recently named a National Merit finalist, bringing him one step closer to consideration for a National Merit Scholarship.

Toby is the son of Pam and David Waters. He is a four-year member of the boys' volleyball team and a three-year member of the French National Honor Society, the quiz bowl team and Student Council. He is a two-year member of the Science National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, History Honor Society and Computer Science Honor Society, in which he serves as treasurer. Toby is a member of the chess club and Mini-THON, competing in the Mister Mini-THON pageant this year. He also plays club volleyball and participates in academic events, including Rubik's Cube competitions.

In September, he was named a semifinalist in the National Merit program. Also earning recognition at that time were Lower Dauphin seniors Shannon Angerer, Audrey Meyers, Abigail Nissley and Abrianna Nissley, who are among the 34,000 students nationwide honored as Commended Students.

Semifinalists had to fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. Finalists who are selected to win a National Merit Scholarship will earn the Merit Scholar title; these announcements will be made between April and July.