Seniors Derrick Greenwell and Mason Schat have been officially recognized as National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists in the 72nd annual program.
Out of more than 1.2 million students across 20,000 high schools nationwide who took the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT®, Derrick and Mason scored in the top one percent in the state of Kentucky. This places them among an elite group of just over 16,000 high school seniors nationwide competing for prestige and scholarship opportunities.
“We are proud of Mason and Derrick for achieving this prestigious national distinction,” said Darryl Farmer, principal of Bardstown High School. “Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is a testament to their exceptional work ethic, dedication to academic excellence, and the constant support of their families and teachers. They exemplify the high standards of Bardstown High School.”
What’s Next for Our Semifinalists?
Being named a Semifinalist is a huge milestone, but the journey doesn’t stop here. Both students are now working toward advancing to the Finalist level, where about 95% of Semifinalists are expected to land in February 2027.
To compete for the nearly 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, worth approximately $24 million combined, students must submit a comprehensive application demonstrating:
- An outstanding academic record throughout high school
- Strong leadership abilities and active participation in school/community activities
- A high school endorsement and confirming SAT® or ACT® scores
- A compelling student essay
Finalists will compete for National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored awards, and college-sponsored scholarships starting in Spring 2027.
Achieving this honor takes years of discipline, curiosity, and intellectual drive. We couldn’t be prouder to see Derrick and Mason represent Bardstown High School on a national stage.
