Three students from Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts named among 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Those students were Roz Hubbell ('26), of Schriever; Anika Chegireddy (’26), of Monroe; Bryan Chen (’26), of Natchitoches. 

 

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.

 

“Our National Merit Semifinalists truly reflect the Louisiana School’s motto, ‘We shall excel,’” said Dr. Steve Horton, Executive Director of LSMSA. “They represent communities across Louisiana, and exemplify the driven, high-achieving students who find success in LSMSA’s rigorous academic setting.”   

 

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning a Merit Scholar title. Finalists will be notified in late February. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2026 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. 

 

LSMSA is Louisiana's preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances. For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu.