National Merit Semifinalists are selected based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT\/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT\/NMSQT\u00ae)<\/strong> taken during their junior year. This prestigious recognition is awarded to students whose academic achievement ranks them among top scholars nationwide, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Across the nation, over 1.2 million students entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. More than 16,000 students earned the honor of being named National Merit Semifinalists. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, \u201cAbout 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar\u00ae title.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As National Merit Semifinalists, they will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Oxford School District extends its congratulations to these outstanding students, and we wish them continued success in all of their future endeavors. Read more about our National Merit Semifinalists below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winnie Chen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oxford High School, Winnie is the co-president of Envirothon, in which she and the team qualified for the international competition last year. She is also a member of H.O.S.A., Student Tutors, the 30+ club, and the National Honor Society and has earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winnie Chen is a finalist at the New York Artist International Competition, where she placed 1st. She is also a two-time finalist in the New York International Music Concours and qualified to perform at Carnegie Hall three times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although she is undecided on a university, she is considering Emory University, Columbia University, and the University of Pittsburgh, where she plans to study biochemistry with a focus on medicine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winnie is the daughter of Sai Fang Lin and Fa Qing Chen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lily Kate Coughlin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oxford High School, Lily Kate Coughlin is a member of the National Honor Society, the 30+ Club and has earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction. She is a violist in the Oxford High School orchestra and a member of the Oxford archery team. Lily Kate volunteers through Junior Auxiliary of Oxford Crown Club, where she served as secretary. She was a regional finalist in the Presidential 1776 Award for Civics, a national competition hosted by the United States Department of Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although she is undecided on a university, she plans to double major in biology and history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lily Kate is the daughter of Michelle and Shane Coughlin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n William Percy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oxford High School, William Percy is a member of the 30+ Club, cross country team, student tutors, Art Club, Key Club, Technology Student Association Club, and Go Green Club. He has also participated in piano lessons and recitals for the past 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although he is undecided on a university, William plans to pursue a degree in biomolecular engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n William is the son of Mary Ann Connell and Roy Percy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael \u201cBanks\u201d Still<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oxford High School, Michael \u201cBanks\u201d Still is a member of the 30+ Club, Student Council, Student Tutors, Cross Country Team, Key Club, Go Green Club, and More Than a Meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although he is undecided on a university, Banks plans to pursue a degree in biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Banks is the son of Kyle and Matt Still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aubrey Wigginton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oxford High School, Aubrey Wigginton serves as co-president of the French Club, an Envirothon leader, and secretary of CommonWorks. She is also a member of the Speech & Debate Team, cross country team, orchestra, R.I.S.E. Club, Go Green Club, 30+ Club, and Books for Cooks Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aubrey is applying for Early Decision to Duke University, where she plans to double major in biology and an environmental field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She is the daughter of Caroline and Kerry Wigginton. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hugh Wilson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oxford High School, Hugh Wilson serves as co-president of Oxford High School’s Speech & Debate team, founder of Oxford High School’s Peer Tutoring Club, a leader of R.I.S.E, and Senior Class Secretary. Additionally, he is a member of the orchestra, cross country, the National Honor Society, and the 30+ club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although he is undecided on a university, he plans to pursue a degree in Economics and Public Policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hugh is the son of Gary and Noell Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yewon Woo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oxford High School, Yewon Woo serves as a captain of the Speech & Debate team. She placed in the top 25 in public forum debate at the National Speech & Debate Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world, and first at state for public forum debate and duet acting. She is also a member of the 30+ club, the National Honor Society, the Oxford High School archery team, and the Oxford High School theater program, and has earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She is undecided on a university but plans to pursue a degree in biology with a pre-med focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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