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2 Steamboat Springs High School Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Duke Fitzgerald and Lyla Baker advance to final round of prestigious academic competition
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Steamboat Springs High School seniors Duke Fitzgerald and Lyla Baker have been named finalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among the top 15,000 students nationwide selected from over 1.3 million who took the PSAT/NMSQT. To reach this stage, the students maintained exceptional academic performance, completed a detailed scholarship application and essay, submitted qualifying test scores, and received a recommendation from their school.
Why it matters
The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions for high school students in the United States. Being named a finalist is a significant achievement that can open doors to college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
The details
Both Fitzgerald and Baker were previously named semifinalists in the fall before progressing to the program's final round. To become finalists, they had to maintain a consistently high GPA in the most challenging honors and AP-level courses at Steamboat Springs High School.
- The students were named semifinalists in the fall of 2025.
- The finalists were announced on March 4, 2026.
The players
Duke Fitzgerald
A senior at Steamboat Springs High School and a finalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Lyla Baker
A senior at Steamboat Springs High School and a finalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Anna Allsberry
A school counselor at Steamboat Springs High School.
Cheryl Fullerton
A school counselor at Steamboat Springs High School.
Dr. Celine Wicks
The superintendent of the Steamboat Springs School District.
What they’re saying
“Reaching the Finalist stage is a testament to sustained excellence over a four-year high school career. They have maintained a consistently high GPA in the most challenging honors and AP-level courses and certainly deserve this honor.”
— Anna Allsberry and Cheryl Fullerton, School Counselors, Steamboat Springs High School (Steamboat Pilot)
“This recognition reflects Duke (Fitzgerald) and Lyla (Baker)'s exceptional academic achievement and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and perseverance.”
— Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent, Steamboat Springs School District (Steamboat Pilot)
What’s next
The finalists will now be considered for roughly 7,000 National Merit Scholarships to be announced starting in April 2026.
The takeaway
The selection of Duke Fitzgerald and Lyla Baker as National Merit Scholarship finalists highlights the academic excellence and dedication of students at Steamboat Springs High School. This achievement can open doors to prestigious college admissions and scholarship opportunities, reflecting the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education.
