South Pasadena High School Students Named Semifinalists in 71st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program

2026 National Merit Semifinalists (L-R) Top: Solana Singer, Sarah Kano, Elizabeth Chung, Rose Vandevelde. Bottom: Anna Kowal, Alexa Chang, Mason Asakura, Gihan Van Kerkhove (Photo -SPUSD)

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has announced the semifinalists for the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, with several students from South Pasadena High School (SPHS) earning spots in this distinguished group. The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 10, highlights more than 16,000 qualifying students nationwide, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

By News Desk

SPHS proudly recognizes Mason Asakura, Alexa Chang, Elizabeth Chung, Sarah Kano, Anna Kowal, Solana Singer, Gihan Van Kerkhove, and Rose Vandevelde as semifinalists in this prestigious academic competition. These exceptional seniors now have the opportunity to compete for one of approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, which will be awarded in the spring of 2026.

To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and achieve among the highest scores in their state. The students from SPHS are part of an elite group who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement on the test, earning them a chance to compete for scholarship opportunities.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most respected and competitive academic honors in the United States. Semifinalists are selected based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores and academic records, with only a select few advancing to the final stage, where they can earn substantial scholarship awards.

The entire SPHS community extends heartfelt congratulations to these eight talented students. Their hard work, dedication, and intellectual achievements have earned them this prestigious recognition, positioning them to compete for scholarships that will support their future academic and professional endeavors.

National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in Spring 2026, and all eyes will be on these exceptional seniors as they continue their journey toward success.