3 Chatham High School Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists As Competition Moves Ahead

CHATHAM, NJ — Three Chatham High School seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program as the nationwide competition moves toward its finalist stage.

Teesta Bhola-Shah, Alan Chen and Peter Krieg received the recognition, according to a School District of the Chathams announcement published Friday.

“We are incredibly proud of our students who have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists,” Principal Dr. Doug Walker said in the district announcement.

Walker said the distinction reflects the students’ “academic excellence” as well as their “perseverance and dedication to learning.”

“Their accomplishments are a source of pride for our entire school community,” he said.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced more than 16,000 semifinalists Wednesday. The students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million that will be offered next spring.

About 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to reach finalist standing, according to the corporation, and about half of the finalists are expected to receive a National Merit Scholarship.

To advance, semifinalists must meet additional requirements. The Chatham district said the process includes a scholarship application detailing a student's academic record, school and community activities, leadership, employment, honors and awards.

Semifinalists must also have an outstanding high school academic record, receive a recommendation and endorsement from a school official, write an essay and earn qualifying SAT or ACT scores.

More than 15,000 semifinalists are expected to be notified in February that they have reached finalist standing.

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