On September 10, 2025 officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the 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 the Merit Scholar® title.

We congratulate the five students designated as National Merit Semifinalists in the Class of 2026! Wishing you all the best as you pursue finalist standing. 

Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit® Scholarship Program
Learn more about your semifinalists below. We asked them the following questions. 

• How many years have you attended New Albany Schools?
• What does the National Merit Semi- Finalist mean to you personally?
• What colleges or universities are you considering?
• What would you like to pursue as a major, career, etc?
• What sort of activities are you involved with at NAHS or in the community?
• Please share anything else you may feel you want people to know! 

Ornob Amin
17

I've attended New Albany Schools for nearly 14 years, ever since I moved to Ohio midway through preschool. 

For me, being a National Merit Semi-Finalist means a chance to pursue a higher education unfettered by monetary restraints, a personal honor and distinction, and a reason to dream bigger. I'm grateful to be given this opportunity.

I'm considering applying to The Ohio State University, Cornell University, and University of Michigan. I plan to major in Computer Science and Engineering.

I am currently a member of SkillsUSA as a part of my cyber security class; I won 2nd place in the state competition for "related technical math" last year!

I am interested in music production, graphics design, and programming. I enjoy sharing and listening to diverse perspectives, either through public discourse, news, or reading.

Yashas Devulapally
17

I have attended New Albany Schools since Kindergarten.

Being named a National Merit Semi-Finalist is more than just a recognition of a test score. It reflects the constant encouragement and support I’ve received from my family and the New Albany community, for which I am truly grateful.

Some schools I am looking at include The Ohio State University, Georgia Tech, and MIT.
I would love to pursue Biomedical Engineering and see where it takes me in college!

At New Albany High School, I’m a varsity middle blocker on the volleyball team, Treasurer of National Honor Society, President of Future Medical Professionals and part of Science Olympiad. Outside of school, I work at RoboThink, where I teach elementary school students robotics through themed projects. I also founded Think Like an Engineer, a hands-on STEM course designed for underserved middle schoolers in inner-city Columbus.

Work hard, play harder. Go Eagles!

Jackson Goodman
17

I've attended New Albany Schools since Kindergarten.

Being selected as a National Merit Semi-Finalist is a huge honor, and I am super proud! It is great to be recognized for the hard work I've put in.

I am considering state schools like Ohio State and a few more STEM-focused colleges like Purdue. I would like to pursue aerospace engineering as a major and hopefully as a career.

At NAHS, I am the varsity captain of the tennis team, and I am involved with the robotics team and National Honor Society. Outside of school, I am involved with Buddy Up!

Erik Jacoby
17

I have attended New Albany Schools since kindergarten

This honor resonates with me because it shows how my hard work over the years at New Albany have finally paid off. Receiving this award also gives me hope that I will succeed in the future with my academic major! I’m also eternally grateful for my friends and family who supported me through my academic journey at New Albany.

Some colleges that I’m really hoping to attend include Stanford, Georgia Tech, OSU, and UT Austin. I wish to pursue Computer Engineering and Business.

I am on the tennis team, and am a participant in the National Honor Society.
I love playing the piano both competitively and personally.

Diya Sakthivelan
17

I have attended New Albany Schools for 10 years, since second grade.

To me, being named a National Merit Semi-Finalist is an honor that recognizes the dedication and perseverance my peers and I have carried with us throughout high school. It reflects not only the effort I have put into academics but also the encouragement of my family, teachers, friends, and mentors. This recognition serves as a reminder for me to continue challenging myself and pursuing everything I do with purpose and curiosity.

Some of the colleges I am considering are The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, Boston University, University of Indianapolis, Brown University, and Johns Hopkins University. I hope to pursue either biomedical science or biochemistry as an undergraduate, following the pre-med track. To me, medicine is both a way to serve others and an opportunity to address healthcare disparities, all while continuing to grow as a learner.

At NAHS, I serve as the President of the Chess Club, Treasurer of the NeuroAdvocacy Club, and Marketing Director of the Heads-Up Mentors nonprofit. Additionally, I am involved in the National Honor Society, Culture Day Club, Science Olympiad, and the tennis team. Outside of school, I enjoy volunteering with various community organizations, working at RoboThink, and participating in competitive Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.