Feature Stories

Twenty-one Minnetonka Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

Twenty-one Minnetonka High School seniors have been named 2025 National Merit Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The students scored among the nation's best on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) taken their junior year.

“To be named a National Merit Semifinalist acknowledges our students’ drive and dedication to their studies,” said Superintendent of Schools David Law. “This recognition is a celebration for our entire community, highlighting students’ efforts to excel, the support of our teachers and the depth of the academic preparation offered throughout students’ experiences in our school district.”

"This honor represents countless hours of hard work that our students have invested during their high school careers,” said Minnetonka High School Principal Jeff Erickson. “Students, we are incredibly proud of you and are excited to support you as you work toward your future endeavors.”

Congratulations to the following students in the Class of 2025:

  • Razeen Abdul-Field
  • Madison Ambrose
  • Jos Buffington
  • Daniel Crocker
  • Eowyn Duan-Porter
  • Sarah Erickson
  • Paisley Hoppe
  • Gabriella Hudson
  • Neel Kashyap
  • Maxwell Kaung
  • Sylvi Oakman
  • Chandler Olson
  • Jack Petrin
  • Anthony Pu
  • Nathan Riemer
  • Advika Sachidanandhan
  • Amelia Sasanfar
  • Benjamin Schmitz
  • Eric Soltau
  • Alexander Weimer
  • Owen Wherry

All semifinalists will have an opportunity to continue the competition for approximately 6,870 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

About the National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)—which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.3 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements. 

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