Ten Dublin High seniors named National Merit semifinalists

Ten seniors from Dublin High School in San Ramon have been named semifinalists in the prestigious 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. This recognition places the students among the top scorers in California, with fewer than one percent of U.S. high school seniors achieving this distinction. The ten semifinalists are Alexis Aung, Elizabeth Bunn, Baani Gupta, Sanjay Krishnan, Moon Liu, Aarush Munaga, Cole Nothelfer, Nirupa Rao, Diva Rawal, and Shreeya Rao Lalam.

The achievement of these Dublin High students is a significant milestone for the community, as it underscores the high academic standards and rigorous educational environment fostered within the school district. For many families and businesses in San Ramon, this recognition is a source of pride and a testament to the dedication of both students and educators. The students’ success also highlights the importance of early college preparation and the value of academic excellence in the competitive landscape of higher education.

Dublin High’s announcement comes in the context of the 72nd year of the National Merit Scholarship Program, which has a long-standing tradition of recognizing exceptional academic talent. The program began in 1955 and has since evolved into a highly respected national competition that identifies and honors the most academically talented students in the United States. The semifinalists were selected based on their scores from the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which is taken by about 1.2 million juniors across the nation.

The ten Dublin High students join 68 other semifinalists from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, which announced its semifinalists on September 9, 2026. To advance to finalist status, the semifinalists must meet additional requirements, including submitting a detailed scholarship application and maintaining high academic performance. The final selection of scholarship winners will be made in the spring of 2027. The timing of this recognition coincides with the early college application process, providing a significant boost to the students’ applications.

Dublin High School has not yet announced any specific plans to celebrate the achievements of these students, but the community is encouraged to follow updates on the school’s news page for any upcoming events or recognitions. Parents and students interested in learning more about the National Merit Scholarship Program can visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s official website for detailed information on the application process and eligibility criteria. The district’s newsroom and media page also provide regular updates on academic achievements and other important developments.