Gifft Hill student named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist

This distinction places Chouiniere among the top high school students in the nation recognized for exceptional academic performance.

More than 1.3 million juniors Scholarship Program by taking the entered the 2026 National Merit

2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Of these, only about 16,000 students nationwide earned the distinction of semifinalist status,

representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

As a semifinalist, Chouiniere now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million, to be awarded next spring.

To become a finalist, Chouiniere must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes academic records, a recommendation from a school official, and an essay.

Finalists are selected based on their demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.

"Being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is a prestigious honor that speaks to Dax's talent, hard work, and dedication to his studies," said Liz Kinsella, Head of School at Gifft Hill School. "We are incredibly proud of him, not only for his outstanding achievement, but also for the way he represents the excellence and resilience of our students. At GHS, our rigorous and supportive

academic environment is designed to challenge students and prepare them for opportunities like this, and Dax's success is a wonderful example of that mission in action."

Finalists will be announced in February 2026 and winners of National Merit Scholarships will be announced beginning in April and continuing through July.

The scholarships provide recognition and financial support to help students pursue higher education and continue their path of academic and personal excellence.

For more information about Gifft Hill School, visit www.giffthillschool.org.