Five Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists; Two Earn Commended Honors

Five Cincinnati Country Day School seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among more than 16,000 academically talented seniors nationwide recognized in the 72nd annual competition.

Nicholas Freitas (Mariemont), Gertrude Lazarus (Hyde Park), Eric Niu (Indian Hill), Ria Patel (Loveland), and Max Sun (Mason) were named National Merit Semifinalists. Aarnav Narayanan (Mason) and Minna Vens (Indian Hill) were recognized as National Merit Commended Students.

“This honor is a reflection of both individual achievement and collective support,” says Jon Zeljo, head of Upper School. “Our students have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their academic pursuits, and their success is strengthened by the encouragement and guidance of our faculty, families, and school community. We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate their accomplishment.”

The semifinalists now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit scholarships worth nearly $24 million that will be awarded in the spring. About 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to advance to National Merit Finalist standing.

Commended Students are also recognized for exceptional academic promise. Approximately 34,000 students nationwide received the distinction after placing among the top 50,000 students who entered the competition by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT.

“It’s a delight to see Country Day scholars recognized nationally,” says Stephen Jackson, director of college counseling. “Their achievement reflects the intellectual thoroughness, curiosity, and academic depth that define life here. At Country Day, we believe that opening students to new questions, possibilities, and opportunities can be catalytic, extending learning well beyond our campus.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program was established in 1955 to recognize academically talented students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.

“These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation,” commented a spokesperson for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). “We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Pictured (top row, left to right): Minna Vens, Nicholas Freitas, Max Sun; (bottom row, left to right): Eric Niu, Gertrude Lazarus, Ria Patel, Aarnav Narayanan