The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District is proud to announce that 19 Middleton High School seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. This places Middleton High School second among 106 Wisconsin high schools with Semifinalists this year.
This achievement reflects the collective efforts of MCPASD students, educators, and community in fostering academic excellence.
The following Middleton High School students are among more than 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Eeshan Kathir Anand, Frank Barth, Neil Bhandari, Sarah Blust, Asha Chakravartula, Micah Friedman, Annabel Goldberger, Shivani Haker, Shaila Holland, Kavya Kashyap, Maggier Kirker, Hannah Lee, Sieun Lee, Kriti Mitra, Isaac Nichols, Conner Roth, Nathaniel Straight, Ethan Yang and Iris Zhu.
“We’re immensely proud of our 19 seniors for earning this prestigious recognition,” said MCPASD Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue. “It’s a testament to their academic strengths as well as their exceptional leadership. They’re beginning their senior year on a strong note, and we’re excited to see where this year will take them.”
To advance to Finalist standing, Semifinalists must submit a detailed application showcasing their academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership abilities, and honors received. About 95% of Semifinalists generally advance to the Finalist level, with approximately half ultimately selected to receive a National Merit Scholarship. Nearly 6,930 scholarships, worth $26 million, will be awarded.
“All of Middleton High School will be cheering on these seniors as they work to advance to the next level,” said Middleton High School Principal Bobbie Reinhart. “We’re thrilled that this well-deserved honor shines a light on their hard work and commitment to academic excellence.”
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation was established in 1955 to conduct an annual academic competition to honor the nation's scholastic talent and encourage students to develop their abilities to the fullest.
Semifinalists will learn in February 2026 if they advance to Finalist level, with National Merit Scholarship winners to be announced from April through July 2026.
Caption: Back row (l-r): Frank Barth, Neil Bhandari, Nathaniel Straight, Micah Friedman, Isaac Nichols, Conner Roth, Eeshan Kathir Anand, Annabel Goldberger, Shaila Holland, Asha Chakravartula. Front row (l-r): Mr. Reinhart, Shivani Haker, Hannah Lee, Sarah Blust, Maggie Kirker, Kavya Kashyap, Iris Zhu, Michelle Lee, Kriti Mitra, Ethan Yang.