7 Smithtown Scholars Earn National Merit Finalist Honors

Smithtown High School students recognized for academic excellence and rigor

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Seven students from Smithtown High School East and West have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists, placing them among the top high school scholars in the nation. Principals at both campuses praised the students' strong work ethic, character, and academic achievements as they advance to compete for prestigious scholarships later this year.

Why it matters

The recognition of these seven Smithtown students as National Merit Finalists highlights the robust academic culture and high-performing students within the Smithtown Central School District. This achievement underscores the district's commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.

The details

The seven Smithtown High School students named National Merit Scholarship finalists are now eligible to compete for thousands of dollars in college scholarships. This prestigious honor is awarded to less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide based on their exceptional scores on the PSAT/NMSQT exam and demonstrated academic talent, leadership, and community involvement.

  • The seven Smithtown High School students were named National Merit Scholarship finalists in 2026.

The players

Smithtown High School East

A public high school in the Smithtown Central School District.

Smithtown High School West

A public high school in the Smithtown Central School District.

Smithtown Central School District

The school district serving the town of Smithtown, New York, known for its strong academic programs and high-achieving students.

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What’s next

The seven Smithtown High School students named National Merit Scholarship finalists will now compete for thousands of dollars in college scholarships later this year.

The takeaway

The recognition of these seven Smithtown students as National Merit Finalists is a testament to the academic excellence and rigorous educational environment fostered within the Smithtown Central School District. This achievement highlights the district's commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity and supporting high-performing students as they pursue their educational and career aspirations.