On September 10, 2025, Lake Forest Academy named ten seniors as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Being nationally recognized as a semifinalist for the 2026 National Merit Scholarship program is truly an honor, highlighting the academic excellence of these students. 

Semifinalists are selected based on their PSAT exam results taken during their junior year. These talented students have the opportunity to be considered for the Merit Scholarship award by continuing in the competition. In the spring of 2026, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will award $26 million in scholarship money to finalists. Finalists will then compete for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships which will be awarded on a state-representational basis. Students can use this award to help fund their college education. 

LFA named the largest number of students as semifinalists ever in 2025 — marking a milestone in academic excellence for LFA and the Class of 2026’s legacy. 

Head of School Tom Johnson said during a morning meeting, “1.6 million juniors take the PSAT every year and of that group 16,000 became semifinalists for National Merit Scholarship — about one percent.” When announcing the semifinalists, Johnson remarked, “I’m really pleased to tell you we have the highest total we’ve ever received at LFA with 10 students.” 

The National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists for this year are Drew Cobin, Ella Froberg, Jinki Hong, Quinn Macejko, Aadit Mantrow, Jackson Pick, Sahasrad Sathish, Veronika Vovk, Gabby Wang and Cyrena Yang. 

2026 National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases starting in April and ending in July. Make sure to congratulate these high achieving students!