Las Cruces Public Schools proudly congratulates three recent graduates who earned these prestigious scholarships.
Source: Las Cruces Public Schools
By Samantha Lewis
Images: Courtesy
This week the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the winners of college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships, recognizing outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. These Merit Scholars join more than 2,500 recipients of college-sponsored awards announced in June.
Las Cruces Public Schools proudly congratulates three recent graduates who earned these prestigious scholarships.
Rishi Koodali, a graduate of Las Cruces High School, earned the National Merit Scholarship sponsored by the University of Arizona. He will attend the University of Arizona this fall, where he plans to major in astrophysics.
Samuel Eorio, a graduate of Arrowhead Park Early College High School, earned a National Merit Scholarship sponsored by the University of Texas at Dallas. He will attend UT Dallas this fall and plans to major in electrical engineering.
Anelise Elmquist, a graduate of Las Cruces High School, earned a National Merit Scholarship sponsored by Harvey Mudd College. She will attend Harvey Mudd Colege this fall, where she plans to major in education.
Officials from each sponsoring college or university selected scholarship recipients from among the Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institutions. College-sponsored awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.
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 of high school. The exam serves as the initial screening for the nationwide competition.
Last fall, more than 16,000 students were named Semifinalists based on their outstanding PSAT/NMSQT scores. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of the nation’s graduating high school seniors and are selected on a state-representational basis.
To advance to Finalist standing, students were required to submit a comprehensive scholarship application that included an essay, information about extracurricular activities, honors and leadership experience, and a strong academic record. Applicants also needed an endorsement from a high school official and SAT® or ACT® scores that confirmed their qualifying test performance. More than 15,000 students met these requirements and advanced to Finalist standing, with about half ultimately receiving National Merit Scholarships in 2026.
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