FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

September 25, 2026

Laguna Beach High School senior Jack Liston named semifinalist in 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – Laguna Beach High School senior Jack Liston has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing him among approximately 16,000 Semifinalists selected nationwide. Jack now has the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing and compete for one of approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, collectively representing nearly $26 million, to be awarded in spring and summer 2027.

To advance to the finalist level, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements, including submitting a detailed scholarship application and demonstrating high academic performance. In collaboration with a high school official, they must provide information on their academic records, school and community involvement, leadership abilities, honors, and awards received, along with an essay and verified SAT® or ACT® scores. While SAT® and ACT® scores are not required for admission to public universities in California (UCs and CSUs), these tests may still be optional or required for private universities and out-of-state institutions.

“Jack’s recognition as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist reflects the academic curiosity, commitment, and hard work he has demonstrated throughout his time at Laguna Beach High School,” said LBHS Principal Jason Allemann, Ed.D. “I personally have been impressed by Jack’s hunger for learning, and we are proud to see him represent LBHS in this national program and congratulate him on reaching this stage of the 2027 competition.”

More than 1.3 million high school juniors from approximately 20,000 high schools entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as the initial screening process. Approximately 16,000 students were named Semifinalists nationwide, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors.

Semifinalists may advance to Finalist standing by meeting additional academic and application requirements. Finalists will be considered for approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $26 million, with scholarship winners announced beginning in spring 2027.

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