Twenty-eight Minnetonka High School seniors have been named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The students scored among the nation's best on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) taken their junior year.

"To be named a National Merit Semifinalist acknowledges students’ dedication to their studies and drive to pursue their personal best,” said Minnetonka High School Principal Jeff Erickson. “The National Merit honor represents countless hours of hard work that our students have invested during their academic careers. Congratulations on this recognition!”

“These honors are a celebration for our entire community, highlighting students’ efforts to excel, the support of our teachers and the depth of the academic preparation offered throughout students’ educational experiences in Minnetonka,” said Superintendent of Schools David Law. “Students, we are proud of you and will continue to support you as you work toward your future endeavors.” 

The following students in the Class of 2026 have been named National Merit Semifinalists:

• Olivia Baeb
• Luc Breton
• Milan Darji
• Cooper  Dobbins
• Tyler Dodge
• Jacob Gendreau
• Lucas Granucci
• Henry Gustafson
• Adam Hale
• Thomas Holland
• Onora Islam
• Simran Kaur
• Benjamin Kraus
• Graysen Lee
• Alexander Mattson
• Ayeza Moheet
• Matthias Murdych
• Dalane Navorska
• Oliver Nelson
• Christense Nielsen
• Aadith Rebello
• Maximus Ren
• Manuel Romero Maspoli
• Jada Silver
• Liam Sullivan
• Annie Tan
• Mark Turcotte
• Chloe Zhao

All semifinalists will have an opportunity to continue the competition for approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semi-finalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

About the National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)—which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.3 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.