Thunderbird is proud to announce that Joshua Katzman and Naomi Walsh have been named Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit® Scholarship Program

On September 19th, the Governing Board recognized the 2025 National Merit Semifinalists. Each Semifinalist was honored with a certificate of achievement from the GUHSD Governing Board. The attendees, including family, friends, and community members, were informed about the rigorous process involved in becoming a Semifinalist. These students rank in the top one percent of U.S. high school seniors, representing the highest-scoring entrants from each state.

This year, approximately 16,000 high school seniors nationwide were named Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Over 1.3 million students entered the competition by taking the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT®, which serves as the initial screening for the program.

These academically talented high school seniors have earned the privilege to continue competing in the national competition for Merit Scholarships, collectively valued at $26 million. To advance to the Finalist stage and be considered for a Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must meet several criteria. About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to achieve finalist standing, and roughly half of them will be awarded a national merit scholarship, earning the prestigious title of merit scholar.

National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in Spring 2025.

Congratulations to our 2025 National Merit Semifinalists!