James Ding ’26 has been recognized among the nation’s top academic achievers after being selected as a recipient of the highly competitive National Merit $2500 Scholarship.

James was named a winner by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), earning one of just 2,500 scholarships awarded nationwide to outstanding students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit $2500 Scholarship is considered one of the organization’s most prestigious awards because every National Merit Finalist across the country is eligible for consideration. Winners are selected based on academic excellence, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the country’s most recognized academic competitions for high school students. Each year, thousands of students enter through the PSAT/NMSQT, but only a small percentage advance to Finalist standing and fewer still receive scholarship awards.

James’s recognition places him among an elite group of students honored for exceptional academic achievement and promise for future success. This fall, James matriculates at University of California, Berkeley.

Congratulations, James!