Ten Coral Springs students earn recognition as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for the class of 2026 in Broward County

Coral Springs, Florida – Broward County Public Schools announced last week that 44 high school seniors from across the district have been named semifinalists for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship, with 10 of those students hailing from Coral Springs.
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes exceptional academic talent among high school students across the country. For the class of 2026, a total of 16,000 students were named semifinalists. These students now have the opportunity to compete for 6,930 scholarships, which collectively amount to nearly $26 million. Among the awards, 2,500 students will receive National Merit Scholarships valued at $2,500 each.
In addition to the standard scholarships, semifinalists who advance to finalist status may be eligible for corporate-sponsored or college-sponsored merit scholarships. These awards are given based on specific criteria established by the sponsors, further broadening opportunities for academic achievement and recognition.
Coral Springs’ semifinalists represent two high schools in the area. From Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the honorees include Sophia G. Alvarez, Nidhi M. Bharambe, Joshua W. Brown, Austin J. Campos, Kevin Liu, Kaavya Ramchandran, Alyssa L. Rapps, Sarah E. Rosaler, and Ava E. Thomas. Additionally, Hannah Wang from Coral Glades High School has earned semifinalist status.
The recognition not only celebrates academic excellence but also reflects the dedication and hard work of these students, their families, and their teachers. Each semifinalist demonstrated outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, a key factor in the selection process.
Being named a semifinalist is a significant achievement in itself, marking these students as among the top academic performers in the nation. As they advance in the competition, they will submit detailed applications, essays, and recommendations to be considered for finalist status and the accompanying scholarships.
This achievement highlights Coral Springs’ commitment to fostering educational excellence and supporting students in reaching their full potential. Local schools and district officials praised the students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue striving toward their academic and personal goals.