Baldwin High School Student’s Perfect Score on PSAT Leads to National Merit Semifinalist Designation

Baldwin High School senior, Luna Questelles, has been recognized as a Semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program after achieving a perfect score on the PSAT and a 1560 on the SAT. National Merit Semifinalists represent less than 1% of all high school seniors. 

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national competition for recognition and awards conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). More than 1.3 million juniors in approximately 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Nearly 16,000 students nationwide are then recognized as “Semifinalists.”

According to a spokesperson for the NMSC, students who are named Semifinalists have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success.

“These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation,” stated the NMSC spokesperson. “We hope that this recognition will help broaden their education opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Dr. Neil Testa, principal of Baldwin High School, expressed great pride. “Congratulations to Luna Questelles on achieving a perfect score on the PSAT and being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. We are confident that this is just the beginning for Luna, who has always been an exceptional student with a very bright future. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Of the more than 16,000 Semifinalists selected in September, approximately 15,000 advance to the “Finalist” round in February. To achieve Finalist status, the Semifinalist and their high school official must submit a comprehensive scholarship application, including the student’s academic record, involvement in school and community activities, leadership skills, employment history, honors, endorsements, and an essay. Subsequently, the select students will compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, which collectively amount to $26 million and are awarded next spring.

In recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college, the NMSC honored the Semifinalists with a certificate and an official letter of commendation for their remarkable achievement.