Longwood High School Senior Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

Longwood High School senior James Tully has been named a Semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing him among more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide selected for the distinction.

More than 1.2 million students from approximately 20,000 high schools entered this year’s competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and include the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

As a Semifinalist, James now has the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing and compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million. More than 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to be named Finalists in February.

To advance to Finalist standing, Semifinalists must demonstrate continued academic excellence and submit a scholarship application highlighting their achievements, leadership, and school and community involvement.

“James has distinguished himself through his academic achievement, dedication, and the high standards he has set for himself throughout his time at Longwood,” said Dr. Lance Lohman, Superintendent of Schools. “Being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is an outstanding accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud to see him earn this recognition. We congratulate James and look forward to seeing all that he continues to accomplish.”