The quiet pursuit of academic excellence is not often punctuated by fanfare. Yet, this fall, six students at New Canaan High School (NCHS) have quietly entered one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the nation. Recognized as Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, these students represent a sliver of the top 1% of high school seniors across the country. Their achievement not only reflects their individual dedication but speaks to the broader mission of public education in cultivating intellectual curiosity and rigor.
The students—Eric Huang, William M. Merritt, Thomas N. Pisant, Tedrah G. Smedley, Daniel J. Yoo, and Alexander Yuan—earned this distinction by excelling on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). In a competition that began with over 1.5 million students nationwide, only 16,000 earned the title of Semifinalist, with just 134 coming from Connecticut. The rigorous path these young scholars have embarked on now puts them in contention for nearly 7,000 National Merit Scholarships, valued collectively at $26 million.
This honor, though specific to the individual students, speaks volumes about the academic culture at NCHS. The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, has long been a standard-bearer for identifying and celebrating academic excellence. Yet, it is not simply about test scores. The competition also rewards perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to academic achievement—all of which are fostered within the walls of NCHS.
Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools, Dr. Bryan Luizzi, expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments. “Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but to the support they’ve received from teachers, families, and the community,” said Luizzi. “These students exemplify the very best of what public education can achieve. We look forward to supporting them as they continue their journey toward becoming National Merit Finalists.”
Indeed, the journey is not over. To advance to the next stage, these students will need to meet further academic and application requirements. Historically, around 95% of Semifinalists are named Finalists, with about half earning the distinction of National Merit Scholar. But as with all high achievers, the recognition is a milestone, not the destination. What comes next is a further demonstration of their ability to navigate the rigors of competition, meet expectations, and rise above challenges.
While the numbers may seem abstract—16,000 Semifinalists out of 1.5 million competitors—the reality is that these six NCHS students represent the promise of future leadership in an age that increasingly demands it. Eric Huang, William M. Merritt, Thomas N. Pisant, Tedrah G. Smedley, Daniel J. Yoo, and Alexander Yuan are among a generation tasked with guiding our society through the challenges of the 21st century. Their success in the National Merit program is a reflection of their readiness to confront those challenges, armed with both knowledge and resilience.
The significance of this accomplishment extends beyond individual accolades. The National Merit Scholarship Program, funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and nearly 300 corporate, educational, and individual sponsors, is rooted in a broader societal goal: to encourage and reward scholastic excellence. These scholarships are designed to empower students to continue their educational journeys, often opening doors to elite universities, prestigious programs, and opportunities for leadership.
For New Canaan High School, this achievement is a reflection of its commitment to preparing students for an increasingly complex world. “We want to ensure that every student at NCHS has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Luizzi. “The recognition of these six seniors underscores the strength of our academic programs and the dedication of our educators.”
As the six Semifinalists move forward, they do so not just as representatives of themselves, but as products of a community that values education as a foundation for success. They embody the hard work, discipline, and intellect that the National Merit Scholarship Program seeks to recognize and reward. The Finalists for the program will be announced in February 2025, and if history is any guide, most of New Canaan’s Semifinalists will likely join their ranks.
Yet, as is the case with all true academic pursuits, the ultimate victory is not in the awards or recognition, but in the knowledge gained along the way. For these six students, this moment is not an end, but rather the beginning of a journey that will shape their futures—and perhaps the future of the country as well.
