Nine Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

National Merit Scholarship Program

Nine RISD seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists.

They are among 16,000 national semifinalists – representing fewer than 1% of all seniors across the country – who are competing for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $28 million that will be awarded in the spring.

High school students enter the program by taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test that serves as an initial screen of about 1.5 million entrants each year.

National Merit Finalists are selected based on their exceptional abilities, skills and accomplishments, and are highly recruited by selective colleges across the nation with some colleges and universities offering significant scholarships or even full rides based on National Merit status. 

Congratulations and best of luck this year! #RISDGreatness #RISDBelieves

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Class of 2026 - Peri Howell - Lake Highlands High School

Senior Feature: Continuing a Legacy, Carving her Own Path

As the fourth Howell sibling to walk the halls of Lake Highlands High School and soon Texas A&M University, Peri Howell is continuing a strong family tradition while creating a path that is uniquely hers. With three scholarships in hand to attend her dream school, she’s preparing for a future in medicine driven by her desire to help others.