Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is pleased to announce that five high school seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. 

This year’s Semifinalists include Central High School students Sylvia Coulter, Francesca Harbold, Claire Poppleton, Ulysses Walls, and West Senior High School student Marella Mast. These five students scored among the highest participants in the nation, placing in the top one percent of all U.S. high school seniors. As Semifinalists, they have earned the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million, which will be awarded in the spring.

In addition, TCAPS is recognizing students who were named National Merit Commended Scholars for their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. This designation places them among the top three percent of all high school seniors nationwide. TCAPS Commended Scholars include Central High School students Oscar Falcon, Charlie Hammersley, Harrison Jeffries, Avery Johnston, Nathan Stawski, Marian White, and West Senior High School student Nolan Bildeaux. 

More than 1.3 million high school juniors entered the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT, which served as the initial screening process for the competition. To reach Finalist standing, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements, including maintaining a strong academic record and completing a detailed application.