MISD Students Open Doors Through National Merit Recognition

MISD Students Open Doors Through National Merit Recognition

Semifinalists and Commended Students demonstrate long-term academic preparation

February 4, 2026— Each year, high school students across the country take the Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, commonly known as the PSAT/NMSQT. For a select group of students, that exam serves as the entry point to the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the country’s most prestigious academic recognition programs.

Students are evaluated based on their PSAT performance during their junior year. High scorers are named National Merit Semifinalists and advance through an application process to compete for finalist standing and scholarship awards. Other top performing students are named Commended Students, recognizing exceptional academic achievement nationwide.

National Merit recognition is particularly competitive in Texas, where state-based selection indexes require significantly higher scores than in many other states. Texas consistently ranks among the most competitive due to its large student population and high concentration of high-achieving students.

This year, Midland ISD students earned recognition at both levels, including National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students, demonstrating that elite academic outcomes are being built within the district’s public schools.

Two MISD students were named National Merit Semifinalists. Jillian Bejil of Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) and Gabriel Stromberg of Legacy High School (LHS) earned this distinction after years of academic preparation supported by teachers across multiple grade levels.

Bejil balances a demanding academic schedule with leadership and athletics. She serves as student council president at YWLA, leads service organizations, and competes in varsity cross country and club soccer.

“Athletics have taught me the importance of discipline, a growth mindset, and pursuing challenges that once felt impossible,” Bejil said. “Without the ability to challenge myself physically, I never would have had the mental strength to achieve academic success.”

She said National Merit recognition will have a lasting impact.

“This recognition will most likely allow me to graduate from college debt free,” Bejil said. “The ability to minimize my future debt will likely change the course of my career.”

While National Merit recognition is awarded in high school, many students emphasized that their academic foundation was built much earlier. Several students credited their academic foundation to early instruction in MISD elementary schools.

Noah Lopez, a commended student at MHS, said his experience at Carver Center played a lasting role in his academic development.

“At Carver, the curriculum focuses on ensuring all students put in Quality, Creativity, and Effort,” Lopez said. “All students have to give their best on every assignment, and the teachers hold you to high standards.” That foundation carries forward through middle and high school. Lopez said taking the PSAT in freshman, sophomore, and junior years helped him feel confident when the test mattered most.  “By the time I took it when it counted, I had already seen it multiple times and knew what to expect,” he said.

Olivia Lee, a commended student at Legacy High School, emphasized long term preparation.

“The more time you have to study, the better you will perform,” Lee said, noting she spent several summers using PSAT textbooks and practice tests.

Students also pointed to teachers and rigorous coursework as critical factors. Brinda Potluri, a commended student at YWLA, said structured practice and encouragement helped her overcome challenges. “I struggled with timed writing and reading comprehension,” Potluri said. “Through the rigorous practice and encouragement in my class, I was able to improve and earn a 5 on my AP Language exam.”

MISD’s success extends beyond a single class. Class of 2025 LHS valedictorian Trey Rolston was named a National Merit Semifinalist and is now attending the University of Texas at Austin on a full ride scholarship through the Forty Acres Scholars Program, one of the university’s premier merit-based scholarship programs. His achievement highlights how MISD students are prepared to excel academically and compete for top tier opportunities at the national level.

National Merit recognition opens doors to highly selective universities and significant scholarship opportunities. Students reported plans to pursue degrees in engineering, medicine, public health, computer science and law, with colleges under consideration including MIT, Rice, Princeton, Yale, Vanderbilt, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech and the University of Texas at Austin.

MISD students continue to demonstrate that nationally competitive academic preparation begins in public school classrooms and is sustained through graduation. Their success reflects a system built on strong early instruction, high expectations and consistent support.

For families seeking an academically rigorous environment that builds foundations early and opens doors later, MISD is where that journey happens.

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Media Contact:

Yuki Soda

Midland ISD Communications Department Intern

communications@midlandisd.net

All students will graduate college, career, or military ready.

Midland ISD | 615 W. Missouri Avenue | Midland, TX 79701 US