MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) – Midland ISD is proud to announce that two students have been named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists, placing them among the top academic performers in Texas and across the nation.
The Midland ISD semifinalists are:
“We are incredibly proud of both of our students for representing Midland ISD on a national level,” said Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard. “To be named a National Merit Semifinalist is one of the highest academic honors a high school student can earn. It reflects the hard work of our students and the strength of our advanced coursework.”
Each year, approximately 1.3 million high school juniors across the United States enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Of those, only about 16,000 students are named Semifinalists—less than 1percent of U.S. high school seniors.
In Texas, competition is especially rigorous due to the state’s large student population and high academic standards.
Semifinalists now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for an estimated 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million, which will be awarded in the spring of 2026.
To advance to Finalist status, students must submit a detailed application that includes their academic record, leadership roles, employment, and extracurricular activities, along with a recommendation and qualifying SAT or ACT scores.
Midland ISD will recognize the semifinalists during the District Recognition Event on Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Bowie Fine Arts Academy.
Commended Student announcements will be made by the end of September.
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