LT recently celebrated a prestigious academic milestone: 15 seniors from the Class of 2026 have been named National Merit Semifinalists. This distinction places them among a select group of high‑achieving students across the country, less than 1% of high school seniors, who now have the opportunity to compete for National Merit Scholarships. 

“When you take the PSAT, it’s also the qualification test based on the score you get, which calculates a different score,” Semifinalist Andrew Jain ‘26 said. “It’s out of 228, and if you meet a certain threshold out of 228, you’re automatically selected as a semifinalist.” 

Becoming a National Merit Semifinalist is no small achievement. Candidates are first identified through their performance on the PSAT, with the top 1% scorers in each state advancing. But the journey doesn’t end there. To proceed toward Finalist status, each semifinalist must assemble a comprehensive application package, including a written essay, a recommendation from a high school official, a record of rigorous coursework and high grades, and evidence of leadership and contributions to school and community life.

“Being named a National Merit Semifinalist gives me a sense of confidence as I prepare to transition to college,” Semifinalist Emily Kienzle ‘26 said. “It reassures me that my hard work is paying off, and I feel incredibly grateful for the scholarship opportunities it gives me that could potentially help ease the financial burden of higher education. Additionally, it is a huge honor to be recognized on a national level for the efforts I have put into academics over the years.” Kienzle said, It’s worth noting that in most years, around 95 % of semifinalists advance to become Finalists, and nearly half of those will be awarded merit scholarships. LT reports that in this cohort, all 15 of their semifinalists will find out if they successfully advanced to Finalist status in late February. Each of them joins an elite cohort recognized for exceptional academic ability, hard work, and promise. Their success is a testament not only to their individual dedication but also to the support and instruction they have received at LT.

“The courses I have taken at LT have challenged my intellect and broadened my academic abilities, and in doing so, effectively prepared me for the PSAT,” Kienzle said. “However, our school does seem to lack preparation tailored for the PSAT exams, so students must seek resources and guidance independently for this test specifically.”

This level of achievement helps shine a spotlight on the strength of the academic culture at LT. The school has long been known for offering rigorous course offerings across NC and SC and promoting a culture of excellence. Moreover, the recognition of these semifinalists feeds into broader school metrics and reputation. In the latest Illinois School Report Card, LT achieved the rating of “Exemplary,” its highest designation, based on multiple performance measures, including proficiency in math and reading, graduation rates, and progress in English language learning. The same report notes that the school’s National Merit successes, including 15 semifinalists and 25 commended students, as well as other recognition awards, contributed to the district’s academic standing.

“If you are referring to LT’s Exemplary rating on the Illinois School Report Card, I believe it is well-deserved,” Kienzle said. “When thinking about National Merit specifically, I think it is an incredible achievement for 15 students to be named Semifinalists and 20 to be named Commended. Additionally, I have had a great academic experience overall at LT. LT provides a diverse range of classes designed to cater to a wide array of interests and skill levels, thereby broadening students’ opportunities to delve into various fields of study and ensuring that each student finds a path that aligns with their unique aspirations.”

While being named a Semifinalist is a tremendous honor, the work is far from over. The next steps for these students include completing their Finalist applications and competing for one of the limited National Merit Scholarships awarded in the spring. For LT, the continued presence of National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists underscores the importance the school places on preparing students for rigorous academic competition and providing them with the support systems they need to thrive.

“Studying helped me develop more studying skills, and it’s definitely a good way to prepare for college,” Jain said.