EVANSTON, Ill. — National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners were announced this spring. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists.

National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors.

Local 2012 National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are:

Jenny L. Jeffrey, Fryeburg Academy, Fryeburg; probable career field, medicine.

Klaas M. Pruiksma, Lewiston, a student at The Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone; Probable career field: computer science/programming.

Patrick A. Lachance, Raymond, a student at St. Dominic Academy, Auburn; probable career field, neuroscience.