Advancing to Finalist standing places these seniors among the top academic performers in the nation. Finalists are selected based on exceptional PSAT/NMSQT performance, academic record, leadership and a comprehensive application process. They now move forward in consideration for National Merit, corporate-sponsored and college-sponsored scholarships.
2026 National Merit Finalists
(Listed alphabetically by last name)
Jackob Abahmanson, Central Magnet
Esme Barbieri, Central Magnet
Jonathan Bell, Central Magnet
Van Breedlove, Central Magnet
Wylene Co, Central Magnet
Margaret Edwards, Central Magnet
Zoey Gammon, Oakland High School
Evan Gibson, Central Magnet
Jayden Johnson, Central Magnet
Anirudh Kodukula, Central Magnet
Grayson Lin, Central Magnet
Sophia Mangrum, Central Magnet
Michael Nobles, Central Magnet
Andrew Smith, Central Magnet
Aidan Stricklin, Central Magnet
Rachel Swicord, Central Magnet
Ruba Tobasei, Central Magnet
Dexter Tregeser, Central Magnet
Allison Urban, Central Magnet
Karunya Vudatula, Central Magnet
Anthony Yater, Siegel High School
Scholarship recipients will be announced later this spring.
For more information and to view the full list of finalists and scholarship recipients nationwide, visit the official National Merit Scholarship Corporation website:
🔗 https://www.nationalmerit.org