Cheltenham Students Earn National Merit Scholarship Honors

Cheltenham’s Nyan Foxhall is one of over 16,000 high school seniors the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced as 2027 semifinalists. 

“I am grateful for the award and hope to make full use of the opportunities it provides me,” said Foxhall, who hopes to attend Penn to study mechanical engineering.

Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, comprising the highest-scoring entrants in every state on the qualifying PSAT/NMSQT test. Semifinalists compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million. About 95% of semifinalists advance to finalist standing by submitting an application with strong academic records, essays, and recommendations.

Cheltenham also had two earn Commended Student status: seniors Isabel Areman and Joshua Owens. These individuals are but two of about 34,000 students across the country to place in the top 3% to 4% of test-takers nationwide on the PSAT to receive letters of commendation for their high academic promise. 

Areman is interested in attending Northwestern University, Emerson College or Northeastern University and taking advantage of the flexibility of their curricula to blend a theatre education with a business management program. Owens plans to study civil engineering, but also hopes to explore other careers throughout his life, including photography and politics. 

“I appreciate that my academic involvement is being acknowledged,” he said, “and am grateful for this honor, which will certainly help while applying to college.” 

Congratulations to all of the honorees.