A record number of Hillsborough County Public Schools students -- 32 -- were named National Hispanic Scholars this year, the school district reported. That's up from 28 last year.

The National Hispanic Recognition Program identifies academically outstanding Hispanic high school students across the nation. The designation is based on several criteria, including scores on the PSAT and grade point average.

"This is a tremendous honor,’’ said Hillsborough School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia. “The students, their parents, their teachers, and their principals should be very proud.

Previously, the district announced it has 62 National Merit Scholar semifinalists (up from 43 the previous year) and 19 National Achievement Scholars, the most in the state.