Five Students Named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit® Scholarship Program
The School District of Lee County is excited to announce that five students have been selected as Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit® Scholarship Program. National Merit® Semifinalists represent less than 1% of all high school seniors.
The National Merit® Semifinalists are:
Cape Coral High School
William Hart
Estero High School
Philip Walczak
Fort Myers High School
Asher Frey
Austen Summy
Mariner High School
Agustin Calderon
About the semifinalists:
William Hart (Cape Coral High School)
William is on track to graduate with his International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. He plans to study biology and chemistry at either MIT or Duke University.
“William is a dedicated scholar in our IB Diploma Program who thrives on academic challenges while remaining deeply committed to supporting his peers,” said Cape Coral High School Teacher Katelyn Uhler. “This honor is well deserved, and we are thrilled to see the impact he will make in the future.”
Philip Walczak (Estero High School)
Philip earned his Cambridge Diploma with Merit and is currently dual-enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University. He plans to pursue aerospace engineering at either MIT or Purdue University.
“Philip has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in his school and community,” said Estero High School Principal Jen Seluk. “His accomplishments demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and an exceptional work ethic, making him highly deserving of this recognition.”
Asher Frey (Fort Myers High School)
Asher plans to pursue a degree in genetics with an emphasis on laboratory research and experimentation. He is on track to graduate with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma next year.
“Asher is an exceptional young man who consistently demonstrates both academic excellence and a genuine commitment to helping others,” said Fort Myers High School Principal Christian Engelhart. “He is actively involved in several service-oriented clubs and activities, making a meaningful and positive impact on our school and community. I am confident that Asher has a bright future ahead and look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish!”
Austen Summy (Fort Myers High School)
Austen is also on track to graduate with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma next year. He plans to study philosophy or economics before attending law school.
“Austen has made a tremendous impact on Fort Myers High School over the past three years,” said Principal Christian Engelhart. “He is an exceptional student who has also distinguished himself through his involvement in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Student Government, Mock Trial, Youth in Government, and many others. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to our school community make this a truly well-deserved honor. I am proud to celebrate Austen and all that he has accomplished!”
Agustin Calderon (Mariner High School)
Agustin plans to study aerospace engineering at MIT. He enjoys physics and chemistry, with a strong focus on quantum mechanics.
“I am in my 31st year teaching at Mariner, said Mariner High School Teacher Randall Cook. “Agustin is one of the most brilliant students I have ever taught. In 9th grade, he took AP European History with a class full of seniors and was the only student to score a 5 on the College Board exam. He is always reading the most challenging work of intellectual scholarship. He is the best!”
Over 1.2 million juniors across roughly 20,000 high schools entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). These academically talented high school seniors now have the opportunity to compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million, which will be offered in Spring 2027.