Melissa High School is celebrating senior Alisa Puzanova for advancing as a finalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Each year, over 1.3 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT, and only around 50,000 of those students with the highest scores earn recognition through the program. Being a finalist puts Alisa in a group of more than 15,000 students who represent less than one percent of U.S. high school graduating seniors.
Having been named a semifinalist in the program earlier this school year, Alisa began the next phase of the National Merit process, where she submitted a scholarship application, wrote an essay, secured an endorsement from the school, and confirmed her test scores.
As a finalist, Alisa can receive one of the following awards:
All finalists are considered for one of the 2,500 single-payment National Merit $2500 Scholarships that will be offered on a state representational basis.
Finalists who meet specific criteria of a company or business sponsor will be considered for one of about 770 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.
Finalists who meet the three specific conditions may be considered for one of about 3,600 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards to be financed by U.S. colleges and universities that have made sponsor arrangements with National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
“We are incredibly proud of Melissa High School Senior, Alisa Puzanova, for earning the prestigious recognition as a National Merit Finalist.” Said Melissa High School Principal Marcus Eckert, “This accomplishment reflects not only her hard work and academic excellence but also the dedication of her parents, our teachers, and the support of our school community! Rise and Shine, Alisa!”
Alisa is one of only two students from Melissa ISD to be named as a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, the last being named over a decade ago. Melissa ISD is proud of Alisa for this outstanding accomplishment. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication and her perseverance throughout her academic career. Being recognized at the national level is a significant milestone as she looks ahead to her future college and career opportunities.
To learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program and Alisa’s journey so far, please visit National Merit Scholarship Program Announcements.