District 230 is celebrating the remarkable academic achievements of four National Merit Semifinalists and 20 Commended Scholars in the prestigious 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP). These milestones reflect not only individual brilliance but also the dedication and hard work that thrives within all of our schools.

Semifinalists
Semifinalists represent less than 1% of US high school seniors. About 16,000 semifinalists nationwide are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise, according to information provided by NMSP. They will continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards and will compete nationally for nearly $26 million in scholarships that will be awarded in the spring. To advance to Finalist status, Semifinalists must complete a detailed application that includes their academic record, leadership experience, activities, and honors. They must also be recommended by a school official, maintain a strong academic performance, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their earlier test results.

Commended Scholars
Commended Scholars are students who performed in the top 2-3% of all Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test test-takers on a nationally applied score. These students are among 34,000 high schoolers recognized throughout the nation for their exceptional academic promise after taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. 

Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting said, “We are incredibly proud of our four National Merit honorees. Their achievements reflect not only their talent and dedication but also the support of their teachers, families, and classmates. These recognitions highlight the culture of academic excellence that thrives in District 230 and inspire all of us to continue striving for greatness.”

Congratulations to the following students:

National Merit Semifinalists 

 Neel Patel - Sandburg
 Mihir Pradhan - Sandburg
 Hunter Boyle  - Andrew  
 Ashton Zopf  - Andrew 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commended Scholars

 Keaton Kazin - Stagg
 Emerson Kim - Stagg
 Tamir Mohamed - Stagg
 Katelynn Cabrera - Sandburg
 Jack Henson - Sandburg
 Marram Hishmeh - Sandburg
 Sangmyung Lee - Sandburg
 Ben Lewandowski - Sandburg
 Chloe McLaughlin - Sandburg
 Matthew Swais - Sandburg
 Samir Tanbouz - Sandburg
 Ava Troy - Sandburg
 Alexandra Vazquez-Gutierrez - Sandburg
 Aryan Vora - Sandburg
 James Abraham - Andrew 
 Amberlily Aranda - Andrew 
Andrea Magallanes  - Andrew 
Jack Radtke  - Andrew 
Noah Roberts  - Andrew 
Dash Wilson  - Andrew