Highlands Latin School is proud to announce that ten members of the Class of 2026 have been honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.
Three seniors—Max McFarland, Jack Hamilton, and Beck Meyer—earned distinction as National Merit Semifinalists, placing them among the top 1% of college-bound seniors.
In addition, seven seniors were named National Merit Commended Students, a recognition given to those scoring among the top 3% nationally. Congratulations to Caleb Bryant, Josiah DiCapua, Max LePrell, Ashray Neotia, Jensen Royals, Ryan Schutte, and Matias Trocan on this impressive achievement.
“From the beginning of HLS, they teach you how to actually think, which means you’re capable of learning anything,” said Jack. “Critical thinking was the biggest thing that prepared me for the PSAT.”
“The standards here really pushed me to be better than I thought I could,” said Caleb. “And I love the smaller class size—we’ve become really close as a group.”
With a graduating class of just 35 seniors, Highlands Latin celebrates that 29% of our seniors earned recognition this year—a rate far above national averages and consistent with a longstanding record of academic excellence.
Over the past decade, HLS has regularly led Louisville in the percentage of seniors honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program. This year’s honorees exemplify that tradition and reflect the commitment of our faculty, families, and students to academic excellence.
“The teachers really push us to be our best, and that helps a lot,” said Jensen.
Congratulations once again to our 2026 National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students!
National Merit Semifinalists
Jack Hamilton
Max McFarland
Beck Meyer
National Merit Commended Students
Back row, left to right: Matias Trocan, Ashray Neotia, Ryan Schutte.
Front row, left to right: Jensen Royals, Caleb Bryant, Max LePrell, Josiah DiCapua.
Join Us for our Fall Open House on November 2!
Our first official Open House of the 2025-2026 school year is approaching on Sunday, November 2. Please join us at our Spring Meadows campus to tour Highlands Latin School, meet our teachers, explore the curriculum, and get a glimpse of our classical Christian community.