Cape Elizabeth High School is proud to announce that the following students have been selected as Finalists in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program:
Audrey Alberts
Liam Nudd
Wren Venter
Jack Wark
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of approximately 15,000 Finalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These four students, who were previously recognized as Semifinalists in September 2025, have met all the rigorous requirements to achieve Finalist standing. This designation places them among the top 15,000 high school seniors in the country, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school graduating seniors.
These talented seniors will now compete for approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million. The scholarships include:
National Merit® $2500 Scholarships: Awarded on a state-representational basis.
Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships: Provided by approximately 150 corporations and business organizations for students who meet specific criteria.
College-Sponsored Scholarships: Financed by about 150 colleges and universities for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.
National Merit Scholarship winners of 2026 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These recipients will join a distinguished group of young people who have earned the Merit Scholar® title since the program’s inception.
For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, please visit www.nationalmerit.org.