The three Byram Hills High School seniors selected as semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program have advanced to become finalists and can compete for scholarships worth nearly $26 million.
They are Claire Mauney, Angelina Nie and Amanda Olego.
"Congratulations to our outstanding National Merit finalists," Principal Christopher Walsh said. “This well-deserved achievement reflects their dedication to academic excellence and the pursuit of learning.”
More than 1.3 million students entered the scholarship competition as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. More than 16,000 students were named semifinalists in September. They represent less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide, and include the highest-scoring students in each state.
More than 15,000 students became finalists, and about half will win a National Merit scholarship and the Merit Scholar title. The scholarship winners will be chosen for their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They will be announced between April and July.