KOHLER – A Kohler High School student has been named a National Merit Scholarship winner.
Kohler High School senior wins National Merit $2,500 scholarship
Claire K. Brotz of Kohler High School received a one-time, $2,500 National Merit Scholarship funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, according to a news release. Brotz listed cardiothoracic surgery as a probable career field.
National Merit names 2,500 scholarship winners nationwide
The scholarship organization named 2,500 students nationwide as 2026 National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists. Most of the awards are funded by the nonprofit, with additional support from corporate sponsors and donors to its President’s Fund.
How National Merit selects scholarship winners
Winners are chosen for a strong mix of academic achievement, leadership and potential for success in college. The number of recipients per state is proportional to each state’s share of the nation’s graduating seniors.
A committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors reviewed finalists’ academic records, PSAT/NMSQT scores, leadership and community activities, an essay and a recommendation from a school official, the corporation said.
Recipients may use the scholarship at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
National Merit timeline: PSAT screening, semifinalists and finalists
The 2026 competition began in October 2024 when juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT as an initial screening test.
The highest scorers in each state were later named semifinalists, and more than 15,000 advanced to finalist standing; about 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million are expected to be awarded this year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation said.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Claire K. Brotz of Kohler wins National Merit $2,500 scholarship
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
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