Local Students Among 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Local students from Indiana and Kentucky are still in the running.

(Nationwide) - The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. 

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be offered next spring. 

From over 16,000 Semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level in February. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists.

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. 

Local semifinalists are:

INDIANA

• Viktor Aylor, Batesville

KENTUCKY

• Takeru Kyle, Simon Kenton
• Zoe Lau, Cooper
• Ian Tran, Cooper
• Trisha Maheshwari, Ryle
• Sara Merryman, Ryle
• Vasavi Pinninti, Ryle

Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2027. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. About 700 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be 
provided by approximately 120 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 140 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,500 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institutions.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2027 will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.