Three Peoria Unified seniors have earned one of the nation's most prestigious academic distinctions, being named Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Benjamin Tran of Ironwood High School, and Norah Brooks and Evan Taylor of Sunrise Mountain High School are among the highest-scoring students in Arizona and represent less than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide.

The recognition places these students among an elite group of scholars and highlights the academic excellence taking place across Peoria Unified schools. National Merit Semifinalists are selected based on exceptional Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) performance and represent less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors.

In 2025, over 1.2 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Tran, Brooks and Taylor are among the highest scoring entrants from Arizona.

"Benjamin, Norah and Evan represent the very best of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and a passion for learning," said Tahlya Visintainer, Peoria Unified Interim Superintendent. "Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of academic excellence. We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see the positive impact they will make in their future college and career endeavors."

To become a Finalist, Tran, Brooks and Taylor will submit a detailed scholarship application which includes information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. Finalists will be announced in spring 2027, and selected students will compete for National Merit Scholarships funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, colleges and universities, and corporate sponsors.