Madison Reporter

Nineteen seniors from Middleton High School have been named Semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, according to the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. This recognition places Middleton High School second among 106 Wisconsin high schools with Semifinalists for 2026.

The students recognized are Eeshan Kathir Anand, Frank Barth, Neil Bhandari, Sarah Blust, Asha Chakravartula, Micah Friedman, Annabel Goldberger, Shivani Haker, Shaila Holland, Kavya Kashyap, Maggier Kirker, Hannah Lee, Sieun Lee, Kriti Mitra, Isaac Nichols, Conner Roth, Nathaniel Straight, Ethan Yang and Iris Zhu. They are among more than 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide acknowledged by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

“We’re immensely proud of our 19 seniors for earning this prestigious recognition,” said MCPASD Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue. “It’s a testament to their academic strengths as well as their exceptional leadership. They’re beginning their senior year on a strong note, and we’re excited to see where this year will take them.”

To become Finalists in the competition and qualify for scholarships totaling about $26 million nationwide each year—awarded to roughly half of all Finalists—students must submit applications detailing academic records and extracurricular achievements. Historically about 95% of Semifinalists move on to become Finalists.

“All of Middleton High School will be cheering on these seniors as they work to advance to the next level,” said Middleton High School Principal Bobbie Reinhart. “We’re thrilled that this well-deserved honor shines a light on their hard work and commitment to academic excellence.”

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation was founded in 1955 with the aim of honoring scholastic talent across the country and encouraging students’ academic development.

Semifinalists will find out if they have advanced to Finalist status in February 2026; scholarship winners will be announced between April and July 2026.