CHARLOTTE – Two local seniors have recently been named 2012 National Merit Scholars.

Kayla Marie O’Neill, of North Mecklenburg High School, and Morgan A. Freese, of Hough High School, are two of nine Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools seniors and 2,500 high school seniors across the country to earn the honor. Freese, a Cornelius resident, received her scholarship from UNC-Chapel Hill and plans to pursue a career in publishing. O’Neill, a Huntersville resident, received her award from Northeastern University and plans to study international business.

Officials at each sponsor college or university select their scholarship winners from the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program finalists who plan to attend their institution. The awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the college or university that finances the scholarship. Another group of scholars will be announced in July.

Qualifications for a merit scholarship include an outstanding academic record, principal’s recommendation, qualifying SAT scores and a personal essay.