Eleven Students Named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program
The School District of Lee County is excited to announce that eleven students have been selected as Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program. National Merit® Semifinalists represent less than 1% of all high school seniors.
The National Merit® Semifinalists are:
Cape Coral HS
• Joshua Recupito
Dunbar High School
• Nishini Fernando
• Isabella Fowler
• Deetya Gogineni
• Finlay Schofield
Fort Myers High School
• Victoria Busch
• Sebastian Canizares
Gateway High School
• Madelyn Spitzer
Lee Virtual School
• Erik Boys
North Fort Myers High School
• Sebastian Jeanpierre
• Justin Wang
Two schools have their first National Merit Program Semifinalists: Madelyn Spitzer at Gateway High School and Erik Boys at Lee Virtual School. “Madelyn exemplifies academic excellence at the highest level,” said Gateway High School Cambridge AICE Coordinator Darla Whitlow. “As a full-time dual-enrolled student at Florida Gulf Coast University, she earned the AICE Diploma with Distinction—the highest honor awarded by Cambridge—and achieved the top score in the nation for AICE Global Perspectives in 2024. Her continued success, including an A+ in A Level Global Perspectives in 2025 and consistently ranking among the top scorers across all her AICE exams, reflects an extraordinary intellect, tireless work ethic, and a passion for learning that truly set her apart.”
Lee Virtual School Principal Jennifer McMillan Barnes added,” Lee Virtual School is excited to have Erik as our first National Merit Program Semifinalist! He is a highly motivated high school student who approaches his academics with focus, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility. Conscientious and determined, he consistently puts forth his best effort to achieve success in every task he undertakes.”
Over 1.3 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). The nationwide pool of Semifinalists includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
“At Dunbar High School, A World Class IB STEM School, we are thrilled to celebrate our four National Merit Semifinalists — Nishini Fernando, Isabella Fowler, Deetya Gogineni, and Finlay Schofield,” said Principal Carl Burnside. “Dunbar continues to have the highest percentage of students recognized in the entire district, and this achievement reflects the incredible talent, determination, and academic excellence of our students. What makes this recognition even more remarkable is that each of these students has not only achieved this honor, but also holds a plethora of other accomplishments that highlight their leadership, innovation, and well-rounded excellence. We could not be more proud of the way they represent Dunbar on a national stage.”
“Victoria and Sebastian are exceptional students in our International Baccalaureate program,” said Fort Myers High School Principal Christian Engelhart. “Victoria serves as President of the National Honor Society, was selected as Attorney General at Girls State, leads our Mock Trial team as captain, and is recognized as a North Collier World Affairs (NCWA) Scholar. Sebastian is president of four different FMHS clubs, is recognized as a North Collier World Affairs (NCWA) Scholar, participated in Boys State, and was a National Qualifier in the History Fair—all while also working as a Legal Assistant. We are extremely proud of Victoria and Sebastian.”
About 15,000 students are expected to advance to the Finalist level in February. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and their high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application with the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors, endorsements, and an essay. They will then compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth $26 million that will be offered next spring.
“North Fort Myers High School is so very proud to recognize two National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists, Justin Wang and Sebastian Jeanpierre,” said Principal Debbie Diggs. “Both students have met all the requirements to earn their Cambridge AICE Diploma with Distinction, are currently ranked 1 and 2 out of a class of 513, are incredibly talented musicians in orchestra and band, and still find time to be involved in multiple clubs, leadership positions, and provide community service. Both of these young men have incredibly bright futures ahead of them and North is thankful to be a part of their stories.”
"We are so thrilled to have Joshua be a semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship,” said Cape Coral High School Principal Ryan Jackson. “ Joshua embodies everything that Cape Coral High School represents with his tremendous work ethic and desire to success. We are so proud of Joshua and all of his accomplishments."
Eleven semifinalists rank as the largest number of School District students honored by the National Merit program in at least the last 20 years.