Four students from Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts named among 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Those students were Ian Meyers (’27), of Mt Hermon; Traylor Nagem (’27), of Monroe; Luke Naylor (’27) of Kenner; and Alison Key (’27) of Natchitoches. 

 

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $29 million that will be offered next spring.

 

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s National Merit Semifinalists and the tremendous work that led them to this achievement,” said Dr. Jason Anderson, Executive Director of LSMSA. “These students embody the curiosity, determination and pursuit of excellence that make the LSMSA community so special. We are proud to celebrate this moment with them and look forward to seeing where their talents and ambitions take them.” 

 

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning a Merit Scholar title. Finalists will be notified in early February. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2027 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in late March or April and concluding in July. 

 

LSMSA is Louisiana's preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances.

For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu.