ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Nine students from Anne Arundel County Public Schools have earned the distinction of National Merit Scholarship finalists, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced March 23.
The students are Aaron Ahmadi and Evan Crockett of Severna Park High School, Madeleine Hardisty of Arundel High School, Zachariah Jackson and Nathaniel Weinbaum of Broadneck High School, Elyse Katolin of Crofton High School, Maya Kirshtein and Christopher Lowman of Severna Park High School, and Selah Sutton of Meade High School.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools borders Calvert County and serves families across the region that includes Southern Maryland military communities. The recognition highlights academic excellence in a district that draws students from areas near Joint Base Andrews and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
The National Merit Scholarship Program has operated since 1955 without government assistance. Each year it honors roughly 50,000 academically talented high school students. About 16,000 advance to semifinalist status based on performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Finalists then compete for approximately 6,800 scholarships awarded this year by 280 independent corporate organizations, colleges and individual donors.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools administers the PSAT free of charge to every student in grades 9 through 11 and the SAT free to all 11th-graders. The district made the exams universal to remove barriers and open doors to National Merit Scholarships and other college opportunities.
“I am so proud of all of these students and everyone who has played a part in helping them to get where they are,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell said. “We have put a great amount of emphasis on eliminating barriers to PSAT and SAT assessments and to enrollment in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses so that we can open the doors of opportunity to more students. We will continue to do so, because we want to continue to see these numbers go up.”
The nine finalists represent a range of high schools across the county. Severna Park High School produced four finalists this year, reflecting sustained strength in advanced academics. Broadneck High School contributed two, while Arundel, Crofton and Meade high schools each added one. The achievement underscores the district’s focus on rigorous coursework that prepares students for competitive college pathways.
Meade High School’s inclusion is particularly meaningful for Southern Maryland families. The school serves many children of active-duty and civilian personnel from nearby military installations. Success at Meade shows how district-wide initiatives reach students whose families may relocate frequently yet still access top-tier academic support.
The finalists now move forward in the competition for scholarships that can cover tuition, fees and other college expenses. Most awards come from corporate sponsors or universities rather than taxpayer funds. Winners will be announced in stages beginning later this spring.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools will formally honor the nine finalists at the Board of Education meeting on April 22. The recognition ceremony will celebrate their hard work and the support from teachers, counselors and families that helped them reach this milestone.
This year’s group adds to a growing list of Anne Arundel County Public Schools students who have advanced in the National Merit program. District leaders credit universal testing and expanded access to honors-level classes for the upward trend. The free PSAT and SAT administration removes financial hurdles that once limited participation. Students from every background can now compete on equal footing.
The National Merit process rewards not only high test scores but also strong academic records, leadership and community involvement. Finalists submit detailed applications that showcase these qualities. The nine Anne Arundel County students have met those demanding standards.
For families in Southern Maryland who live near the Anne Arundel border or send children to county schools, the announcement offers encouragement. It shows that public education in the region continues to produce scholars ready for the nation’s most selective colleges. The achievement also reinforces the value of investing in advanced programs that benefit students across county lines.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation evaluates candidates without regard to financial need. Scholarships recognize merit alone. Many winners receive awards that ease the cost of higher education at a time when college expenses remain a top concern for families.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools serves more than 80,000 students. The district’s commitment to universal testing has increased participation rates and broadened the pool of high-achieving students. Officials say the strategy has already produced measurable gains in scholarship opportunities and college readiness.
The nine finalists embody the district’s mission to prepare every student for success beyond high school. Their selection as National Merit finalists marks a proud moment for the schools, the county and the broader Southern Maryland region.