Thirty-two Minnetonka High School seniors have been named 2027 National Merit Semifinalists in the 72nd 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.
“Becoming a National Merit Semifinalist reflects what happens when students take ownership of their learning and push the boundaries of their potential,” said Minnetonka High School Principal Jeff Erickson. “This honor celebrates our students’ personal drive and the agency they demonstrate every day.”
“When students are empowered to pursue their passions and aim high, we see incredible outcomes take shape,” said Superintendent of Schools David Law. “This moment recognizes our students' dedication and the strong network of teachers, families and community members surrounding them in Minnetonka Schools. We are proud to cheer them on as they forge their path ahead.”
The following students in the Class of 2027 have been named National Merit Semifinalists:
- ANDRE ANDERSON-BARRERA
- ANJA ARORA
- ANNE BUFFINGTON
- LARAH COLON-ORTIZ
- AYDAN DUONG
- MEGAN EISENMANN
- BEAU ELDER
- COLE FRICK
- AUDREY GEHT
- LYDIA HOUCK
- ANJALI JAYANTI
- MIRA JAYANT
- STELLA KELLIHER
- ADAM KLOBE
- MASON KUYPER
- VAN LE
- JACOB LEE
- ALLISON LEI
- MICHAEL LUO
- LUCAS MALHEIROS
- EMILIO MORENO
- ANANDA NHOUYVANISVONG
- LUCIA RUHOFF
- ERIN SEFTON
- MILA SLOAN
- ERIK STANERSON
- GUS SULLIVAN
- NOLAN SULLIVAN
- DANIEL TRIFONOV
- FINNEGAN VAN HEE
- ZANDER VOLBY FLOR
- JOCELYN WANG
All semifinalists will have an opportunity to continue the competition for approximately 6,820 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semi-finalists 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 1.2 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.