Three Heights High Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Heights High seniors Eleanor Lubbers, Gabriel Mallamad and Lev McFarland have been named National Merit Scholars.

Eleanor, Gabriel and Lev and Merit Scholar Semifinalists in the 2026 competition and have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Around 16,000 Semifinalists were recognized nationally earlier in September, representing less that 1% of U.S. high school students.

More than 1.3 million students entered the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in the fall of their junior year.

"We are extremely proud of Gabe, Lev and Nora for this immense achievement. It is no easy feat in becoming a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. I know that they will continue to make Tiger Nation proud well beyond their time here at Heights," said Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby.

The three seniors have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and qualify for one of the 6,930 National Merit Scholarships that are worth nearly $26 million. In February, 2026, the National Merit Scholarship program will notify principals of their Semifinalists who have advanced to the Finalist level.

The students will be invited to be recognized for their achievements by the Board of Education and Superintendent Kirby during an upcoming regular Board meeting.