Seattle Public Schools is proud to celebrate 16 students from Ballard High School, Ingraham High School, Lincoln High School, and Roosevelt High School who have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit® Scholarship Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors for high school students.  

Announced by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), the distinction recognizes academically talented high school seniors who scored among the highest performers in their state on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). More than 1.2 million students entered the competition nationwide, and fewer than one percent of U.S. high school seniors advanced to semifinalist standing.

The following SPS students have been recognized as 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists: 

Ballard High School 

• E. McKee 
• A. Papineau 
• H. Peters

Ingraham High School 

• C. Emmons 
• A. Whang  

Lincoln High School 

• M. Alloway 
• A. Bruce 
• G. Brush 
• H. Duran 
• A. Halasz 
• A. He 
• I. Pressman 
• A. Pun 
• Z. Pun 
• B. Yang  

Roosevelt High School 

• N. Pages-Matrajt  

To continue in the competition, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, maintain an outstanding academic record, earn scores that confirm their qualifying test performance, and receive a recommendation from a high school official. Approximately 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to advance to finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will ultimately receive a National Merit Scholarship.  

National Merit Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The program will award approximately 6,700 scholarships worth about $24 million next spring.  

Seattle Public Schools congratulates these outstanding students on this remarkable achievement. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence reflect the best of SPS and our school communities. We wish them continued success as they advance through the National Merit Scholarship competition.