(From L-R: National Merit Scholarship Finalists: Ethan Luginbuhl, Alin Grate, Daniel Kim, Ananya Bhatt, and Lexi Steen) (Courtesy of David Thomas)
Pennridge High School has reached a new academic milestone.
Five members of the Class of 2026 have been named Finalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, marking the highest number of National Merit Finalists in the school’s history, according to a Pennridge School District press release.
The finalists are Ananya Bhatt, Alin Grate, Daniel Kim, Ethan Luginbuhl and Lexi Steen.
District officials said the accomplishment continues a banner year for the senior class. Earlier in the competition cycle, a record 11 Pennridge students were recognized as National Merit Commended Students or Semifinalists — also the highest total at that stage in school history. This year’s five finalists more than double the number recognized over the past two school years combined.
More than 1.3 million juniors across nearly 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as the initial screening tool. Approximately 16,000 students nationwide advanced to Semifinalist standing. After submitting a detailed application that includes academic records, leadership accomplishments, recommendations and confirmed SAT or ACT scores, nearly 15,000 students earned Finalist designation.
Finalists now move on to compete for about 7,000 scholarships to be awarded this spring. Those awards include 2,500 $2,500 National Merit scholarships granted on a state-representational basis, along with corporate-sponsored and college-sponsored scholarships funded by participating institutions.
Superintendent Dr. Angelo Berrios said the recognition carries both prestige and practical impact.
“National Merit Finalist recognition not only affirms students’ academic achievement, it also often leads to significant college scholarship opportunities,” Berrios said. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate our five Pennridge students who have earned this distinguished honor, placing them among the highest-performing students in the nation. Their success reflects determination, exceptional instruction, and a community that champions academic excellence.”
Principal Tim Keddie called the moment historic for the school.
“Having five National Merit Finalists in one graduating class is truly historic for Pennridge High School,” Keddie said. “This achievement reflects the strength of our academic programs, faculty dedication, and the hard work of students who pursue excellence every day.”
The recognition comes on the heels of another recent accolade. In a statewide ranking, Pennridge High School was named the 21st best high school in Pennsylvania by MoneyInc, citing strong academics, college readiness and performance indicators compared to schools across the commonwealth.
District officials congratulated the five finalists and said scholarship winners will be announced later this spring.
