Plano ISD congratulated 60 students named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, according to a Sept. 17 district announcement.
The students are enrolled at Plano East Senior High School, Plano Senior High School and Plano West Senior High School. Plano ISD said they are among more than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, representing less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors who entered the competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Where the semifinalists attend school
Of the 60 students Plano ISD listed with a publication consent and release form on file:
- 41 attend Plano West Senior High School
- 13 attend Plano East Senior High School
- 6 attend Plano Senior High School
The district published the full name-by-campus roster in its Sept. 17 communications post. Plano ISD noted that the published list includes only students whose families have a publication consent and release form on file with the district.
Path from semifinalist to scholarship
To advance in the competition, semifinalists must complete a detailed scholarship application, demonstrate an outstanding academic record, earn an endorsement from a high school official, write an essay and submit qualifying SAT or ACT scores, Plano ISD said.
More than 15,000 semifinalists nationwide are expected to advance to finalist standing, according to the district. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April 2027, Plano ISD said.
Local academic recognition
Plano ISD framed the designations as recognition of high-achieving seniors at its three traditional high schools who scored among the top performers on the qualifying exam. The Sept. 17 post is the district's official congratulations to those students and families.
Readers looking for the complete list of named semifinalists by campus can find it in Plano ISD's announcement, "Plano ISD celebrates 60 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists," on the district communications site.
Sources
pisd.edu
