Four students from Martin High School have been recognized as some of the nation’s top academic performers. Seniors Sophia Miner, William Reid, John Robertson, and Julia Tran have been named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
The honor puts them among the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide. More than 1.3 million students entered the competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT as juniors, but only 16,000 advanced to this round.
“I feel very proud of myself and my fellows who achieved it,” Reid said. “I already knew some of us had high PSAT scores, but seeing our names on a list full of people across the nation, it made it feel much more real.”
Miner shared that same pride.
“It’s very fulfilling to see your name on that page,” she said. “It was a lot of studying, but I was confident in my ability after some practice tests, and I felt pretty good on the testing day. I was very happy when the scores came back.”
Each semifinalist now has the chance to become a finalist and compete for nearly $26 million in scholarships next spring. To get there, all four warriors must submit a detailed application that highlights their academics, leadership, community involvement, and an essay.
“The support from our teachers and our counselors has been great,” Reid said. “The fact that this is emphasized to the degree that it is at Martin is so great. I am so appreciative of that.”
The recognition reflects years of consistent effort – late nights, tough classes, and teachers who pushed them to think deeper. It’s also a point of pride for their schools and the district as a whole.
“We are proud of our students who earned National Merit Semifinalist designation,” said Martin principal Marlene Roddy. “They are focused and determined to learn at the highest levels. They generally take all PAP and AP classes, which helps prepare them for the rigor of the PSAT. These students are serious, hardworking, disciplined, and reflective. They get along well with their peers and enjoy the challenges of learning at the highest levels.”
While the next phase of the competition will bring more essays, test scores and recommendations, for now, these seniors can take a well-deserved moment to celebrate. They’ve earned their place among the nation’s top academic performers – and they’re representing Arlington ISD at the highest level!