From personal experience, (either my D or a friend) these do give merit because our children received it (or got dinged from being a finalist for it)
Davidson
Grinnell
Rhodes
Tulane
U of Richmond
Washington & Lee
I would add to your list if you are applying to U Richmond, Davidson, and Rhodes, I would consider adding Furman, Sewanee and Wofford. If you are looking at Carleton and Grinnell, I would add St. Olaf.