For Ryan Garmeson and her family the question surrounding college is not “how” but “where” after the T.R. Miller senior was named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist.

Garmeson, who serves as drum major of the TRM Tiger Marching Band, is one of 16,000 semifinalists in the 60th annual program. The NMSC is a not-for-profit organization that honors the nation’s scholastic champions and encourages the pursuit of academic excellence.

Garmeson was also recently named as the Escambia County Distinguished Young Woman. With the most recent award, her scholarship total sits at more than $150,000.

“I was excited when I got the news, but I’m also a little nervous because I know there’s a lot expected to become a finalist,” Garmeson said.

In order to be accepted as a finalist, one must earn high SAT marks; write an essay and have a recommendation from the TRM principal.

“Tests are easy for me,” she said. “It’s a puzzle, and I love a puzzle. Once you figure that out, you’re golden.”

It’s her love of puzzles that may lead Garmeson to an engineering career.

“I’m kind of torn,” she said. “I’m thinking about going into the military. My grandfather was in the Navy. The naval academy has an awesome science program, and I’m fascinated by nuclear engineering.”

On the flip side, Garmeson said she’s also considering attending Auburn.

“There, at first, I would be an undeclared engineering major,” she said. “I’m torn between chemical and mechanical. I think I’ll need to get through physics first before I decide.

“I love the puzzle of math,” she said. “And that’s what draws me to engineering.”

Garmeson is the daughter of Erin Garmeson of Brewton and Johnny Abrams of Huntsville. She also serves as the captain of the TRM scholar’s bowl and enviro bowl teams and is a National Honor Society and math team member.