WCASD Celebrates Eight Students Named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists

The West Chester Area School District is proud to share that eight of its high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the prestigious 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These outstanding students rank among the top academic achievers in the nation and now have the opportunity to compete for nearly $26 million in scholarships next spring.

Congratulations to the following WCASD students for their recognition as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists:

East High School 
John Armbruster
Arya Gohel
Dinith Halambage 
Alexander Issac
Jaydon Sam

Henderson High School 
Ayan Chatterjee
Sidharth M. Sumesh

Rustin High School 
Tanay Dash

Students entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) during their junior year, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

To advance to Finalist standing, semifinalists and high school officials submit a detailed scholarship application highlighting academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership, honors, and achievements. About 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to advance to Finalist status, and approximately half of the Finalists will receive a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

About the National Merit Scholarship Program
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization established in 1955, operates without government assistance to recognize and encourage academic excellence nationwide. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC and approximately 300 business organizations, colleges, and individual donors. For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website at www.nationalmerit.org.