Region : 8 Scholarship Winners

Eight Westside high school seniors have won National Merit Scholarships to colleges and universities next fall, it was announced Wednesday. They were chosen from more than 1 million applicants nationwide, and 14,000 finalists.

Area winners include: Cristel J. Churchill, West Los Angeles Baptist; Samidha Ghosh, University High; David A. Holmes, Venice High; Noah P. Levy, Fairfax High; Odelia B. Zand, Yeshiva University of Los Angeles High; Cristine E. Carrier, Hamilton High School Complex; Taos A. Huskey, Windward School, and Nersi Nikakhtar, Santa Monica High.

In addition to the more than 3,000 already announced National Merit Scholars who will receive corporate-sponsored awards or scholarships distributed by state, these latest awards--funded by colleges and universities themselves--go to 2,600 seniors who scored high on standardized tests, met high academic standards and carried endorsements from their high schools.

The final group of college-sponsored scholarships will be announced in July.