Centennial High School Students Earn National Recognition as 2027 National Merit Semifinalists

Las Cruces Public Schools proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of Centennial High School seniors Ronan Dowell and Annie Lee, who have been named 2027 National Merit Semifinalists. They are among the highest-scoring entrants in New Mexico and part of a nationwide group representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

On Wednesday morning, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Ronan and Annie are among 16,000 students nationwide selected for this distinction based on their performance on the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

More than 1.2 million juniors from approximately 20,000 high schools entered the program by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. The program recognizes individual students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. 

As Semifinalists, Ronan and Annie will complete a detailed application that includes their academic records, school and community activities, leadership experience, employment, honors and awards. They will also submit an essay, receive a recommendation from a high school official, and provide SAT or ACT scores confirming their earlier qualifying-test performance.

Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2027. These include National Merit Scholarships with $2,500 awarded on a state-representational basis, approximately 700 corporate-sponsored scholarships, and about 3,500 college-sponsored scholarships. Corporate and college-sponsored awards are available to Finalists who meet each sponsor’s eligibility criteria.

The 2027 National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced through four nationwide news releases between April and July. They will join more than 395,000 students who have previously earned the Merit Scholar title.