Congratulations, MPA National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students!

September 24, 2026

More than 1.3 million high school juniors nationwide took the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), beginning their journey into the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. From that group, about 16,000 students—representing the top one percent of seniors—were recently named Semifinalists. We are beyond excited to share that two MPA seniors, Hannabella Li and Sidd Sastry, are among this group and have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists!

To advance further in the competition, they will now submit an application that includes their academic record, an essay, a school recommendation, and qualifying SAT or ACT scores.

In addition, Kelvyn Boddipalli, Evie Minear, and Oslo Norcross were honored as Commended Students, placing among the top 50,000 students nationwide. 

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation highlights these students as a valuable national resource—future leaders whose academic talent will advance excellence in education and beyond. Way to represent Mounds Park Academy, Hannabella, Sidd, Kelvyn, Evie, and Oslo through their incredible achievements!