Submitted photo

Girard High School senior Dylan Trevelline has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Trevelline stands among approximately 15,000 students nationwide who have advanced to finalist status in this highly competitive program. These academically talented seniors represent less than 1% of U.S. high school students and have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership and dedication.

Students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year. From more than 1.3 million entrants nationwide, about 15,000 students met the rigorous academic standards required to become finalists.

To advance from semifinalist to finalist, students must submit a comprehensive scholarship application that includes an outstanding academic record, a recommendation from a school official, a personal essay, and SAT or ACT scores that confirm their earlier PSAT/NMSQT performance.

“Dylan’s achievement as a National Merit Finalist is a tremendous honor and a reflection of his commitment to excellence,” said Scott Libert, principal of Girard High School. “His dedication, intellectual curiosity and perseverance have truly set him apart. We are incredibly proud of Dylan and excited to see all that he will accomplish in the future.”

Following graduation, Trevelline plans to pursue a pre-med track in college.

“I became interested in pre-med because I’ve always been drawn toward math, science, biomedical and anatomy classes,” Trevelline said. “I feel it is a noble profession. Seeing how doctors have affected my family members’ lives has pushed me to want to follow this career path.”

As a finalist, Dylan he now will be considered for one of approximately 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be awarded this spring.

The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, recognizes and honors the nation’s top scholastic talent.