National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Mary Drost ’26 has been named a Finalist in the highly competitive National Merit Scholarship Program, placing her among the nation’s most accomplished high school students.

More than 1.3 million students across the United States entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of those students, only about 15,000—just over 1%—advance to Finalist standing. This distinction recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, strong standardized test performance, and a consistent record of excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Advancing from Semifinalist to Finalist is a significant achievement that reflects Mary’s dedication, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to academic excellence. As a Finalist, she is now eligible to compete for approximately 7,000 National Merit Scholarships, which are awarded nationwide this spring.

Mary’s recognition is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the culture of academic excellence fostered at Padua Academy.

The Padua Academy community congratulates Mary on this remarkable honor and celebrates her outstanding achievement.