6 Arlington Heights Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Six Arlington Heights students have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Five attend John Hersey High School:

• Stefan I. Donisa
• Jonah A. Morrison
• Arjun R. Police
• Liliana M. Vander Klay
• Subin Yee

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Miles Waddell, of St. Viator High School, was also named a semifinalist.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced more than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide. The students represent less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors and have an opportunity to compete for about 6,700 scholarships worth approximately $24 million.

Students entered the competition by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. To advance to finalist status, semifinalists must submit a detailed application, maintain an outstanding academic record, receive a school recommendation, write an essay and earn qualifying SAT or ACT scores.

About 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to become finalists, with winners announced beginning in April.