2027 National Merit Commended Students Announced for Pickerington Local Schools

Six Pickerington Local Schools Seniors Named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

Pickerington, OH — September 24, 2026 — Six Pickerington Local Schools seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The students recognized are:

Pickerington High School Central Principal Roshawn Parker and Pickerington High School North Principal Mike Hudak presented the students with Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), along with their own congratulations. The letters recognize the students for their outstanding academic promise.

“Avani, Nolan, and Hadley exemplify the kind of students who make our school community stronger,” said Principal Roshawn Parker. “Their dedication to their academics and willingness to challenge themselves reflect our Core Values of Trust, Integrity, and Empathy. They have demonstrated excellence not only through their academic achievement, but also through the way they support others and contribute to our school community. We are incredibly proud of them and the example they set for their peers. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”

“Having three of our students earn Commended Student recognition is an outstanding accomplishment and a true reflection of their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence,” said Principal Mike Hudak. “We are incredibly proud of their achievement and grateful for the teachers, families, and staff who have supported them along the way. These students represent the very best of what our school community strives to achieve, and we are excited to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with them.”

Approximately 34,000 students nationwide are being recognized as Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. The students are among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants who entered the competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Commended Students will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, although some may be considered for Special Scholarships offered by corporate sponsors.

Student Perspectives

The six students are pursuing a range of interests as they prepare for life after high school, from biochemistry and applied mathematics to psychology, statistics, math and studio art.

L-R: Avani Kondru, Nolan LKeMaster, Hadley Seaver

Avani K. Kondru has not yet decided where she will attend college but plans to major in biochemistry. She said the recognition reflects both her effort and the opportunities and support she has received at Pickerington High School Central.

“I feel that my hard work has paid off with getting this national recognition,” Kondru said. “Pickerington Central has great academic opportunities that gave me a good head start in the beginning of my life beyond high school, and the community at our school has given me great support and guidance as I have prepared for the future.”

Hadley J. Seaver plans to major in applied mathematics and is still deciding where she will attend college. She said her experiences in Pickerington Local Schools have allowed her to explore her interests while building a strong foundation for her future.

“I have had incredible teachers and counselors that have provided me with resources and guidance. I have also had the opportunity to take a wide variety of electives and college-level classes that have helped me explore many of my interests,” Seaver said.

Nolan A. LeMaster is also undecided about where he will attend college. He said his College Credit Plus (CCP) classes have helped prepare him for the recognition and that Pickerington High School Central has prepared him for life after high school.

L-R: Anna Kieffer, Emma Wallick, Jay Walock

Emma Wallick plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in psychology on a medical track.

“It feels good. It shows my hard work has paid off. It’s an honor to receive this national award and recognition,” Wallick said.

Anna Kieffer is still deciding where she will attend college and plans to double major in mathematics and statistics.

“I am happy and honored because I put some work into it and studied for it,” Kieffer said.

Jay Walock is undecided about where he will attend college and plans to combine math and studio art in his studies. He said he enjoys the patterns and problem-solving involved in both areas.

“I’m excited. It sets some high expectations, but I’m excited to achieve more after high school,” Walock said.

“Being named a Commended Student is an impressive accomplishment, and we are proud of the hard work these students have put into reaching this level,” said Pickerington Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Smialek. “Just as important, this recognition reflects the opportunities our students have had throughout their years in Pickerington Local Schools to challenge themselves, explore their interests and prepare for what comes next. We are proud to provide learning experiences that help students discover what they are capable of and give them the support and opportunities to pursue their goals.”

Both Pickerington High School Central and Pickerington High School North offer students opportunities to participate in Advanced Placement coursework and exams.

About Pickerington Schools

Pickerington Local Schools serves more than 12,500 students across 16 schools in the Pickerington community. The District is committed to providing students with opportunities to cultivate academic excellence, explore their interests and prepare for success beyond high school.

The National Merit Scholarship Program, conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, is an annual academic competition that recognizes high-achieving high school students based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and other program requirements. NMSC has conducted the program since 1955.