The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) has announced Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program, recognizing outstanding high school seniors from across the country. Among this elite group are five students from Bowling Green High School:

• Diego Padin Margary

• Sarah Pannell

• Elli Trivizadakis

Currently attending The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science:

• Leah Chen

• Roy David “Trey” Lightfoot III

Over 1.2 million high school juniors entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The over 16,000 Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Approximately 95% of Semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level. To become a Finalist, students and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application highlighting academic records, community involvement, leadership abilities, employment, honors, an essay, and confirming SAT® or ACT® scores. 

Finalists will be notified in February 2027, and winners of National Merit Scholarships will be announced in four nationwide releases between April and July 2027.