A Brookland-Cayce High School student has been named a semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious recognition of some of the nation’s top academically talented high school seniors.

Aimee Lam received the recognition by being in the top 1% of students nationwide who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as a junior. Over 16,000 semifinalists will compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million, completing an application and essay, providing detailed information about their academic records, school and community involvement, and obtaining recommendations from a school official. 

National Merit Finalists will be announced in spring 2026.

Emma Sturkie, also a Brookland-Cayce High School senior, has been named a National Merit Commended Scholar. This recognition is given to students who scored in the top 3% of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers nationwide and demonstrate exceptional academic promise.