GIRARD - Dylan Trevelline, a high school student attending Girard High School, has been named as a finalist for the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The program recognizes and honors the top scholastic talent from high schools across the country. The program is run through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a non-profit organization.

In their junior year, students can enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This year, more than 1.3 million students signed up to take the test.

In February, 15,000 finalists, including Trevelline, were notified that they had advanced to become finalists for the scholarship. 

Trevelline has the possibility of winning one of about 7,000 National Merit Scholarships, which will be awarded this spring.

Trevelline said he plans on pursuing a pre-med track in college.

"I feel it is a noble profession. Seeing how doctors have affected my family members' lives has pushed me to want to follow this career path," said Trevelline.

Girard High School Principal Scott Libert congratulated Dylan on being recognized for the program and said that he has a bright future ahead of him.

"His dedication, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance have truly set him apart. We are incredibly proud of Dylan and excited to see all that he will accomplish in the future," said Libert.