The Peoria Unified School District is proud to celebrate Liberty High School senior Kylie McEwen who was named a Scholarship Winner by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. McEwen received the National Merit General Dynamics Corporation Scholarship.
McEwen has worked diligently throughout high school to invest not only in herself, but in those around her. This is evident in her service in her community as a mentor in the Girl Scouts, a certified lifeguard and swim instructor and a math tutor for elementary and high school students.
McEwen represents less than one percent of high school seniors nationwide. In September, McEwen, along with three other Peoria Unified seniors, was named a National Merit Semifinalist. Semifinalists were asked to complete a detailed scholarship application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards and leadership positions. By the conclusion of the 2026 competition, about 6,700 Finalists will have been selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling nearly $24 million.
“We are very proud of Kylie’s efforts to achieve this level of academic excellence,” said Principal of Liberty High School, Mr. Shawn Duguid, “Her integrity, initiative and dedication to high achievement make her a shining example of what it means to be a Liberty Lion. Her teachers say she is a leader in class discussions, pleasant to work with and she manages to brighten up all those around her.”
McEwen plans to study electrical engineering in college and is one of nearly 3,000 Peoria Unified students who will be graduating this May. More information related to graduation is available at www.peoriaunified.org/graduation.