September 9, 2026
From the Pickerington Local School District
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Two Pickerington High School North seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit® Scholarship Program, placing them among a select group of academically talented students from across the country.
David McCahon Linares and Oliver Stecker are among more than 16,000 students nationwide selected as Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and include the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
“We are incredibly proud of David and Oliver for earning this prestigious recognition,” said Principal Mike Hudak. “Their achievement reflects not only their exceptional academic ability, but also the dedication, curiosity and commitment they have demonstrated throughout their high school careers.
The National Merit Scholarship Program began with more than 1.2 million juniors from approximately 20,000 high schools who entered the competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
To advance to Finalist standing, Semifinalists must complete a detailed scholarship application, maintain an outstanding academic record, receive a recommendation and endorsement from a school official, submit an essay and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm their earlier performance on the qualifying test.
“We celebrate this well-deserved recognition and look forward to cheering them on as they continue through the National Merit Scholarship competition,” said Pickerington Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Smialek.
More than 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level, with Finalists to be notified in February 2027. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the Finalist group.
Approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, worth about $24 million, will be awarded in the spring. Three types of scholarships will be offered: National Merit $2500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships and college-sponsored scholarships.
National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July 2027.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established in 1955, conducts the annual National Merit Scholarship Program to recognize and encourage academic excellence.
For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
ABOUT PICKERINGTON LOCAL SCHOOLS
Pickerington Local School District serves more than 12,500 students in the communities of Pickerington, Violet Township and surrounding areas. The District is committed to providing students with meaningful learning opportunities and preparing them for success in college, career and life.