West Aurora High senior named Merit semifinalist

West Aurora High School senior James Chan has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program and has the opportunity to continue in the competition.

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes high-achieving students for academic excellence. Approximately 16,000 students nationwide have been named semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Chan is among the highest-scoring students in Illinois who participated in the program.

As a semifinalist, Chan may submit a detailed scholarship application to advance to finalist standing and compete for one of the $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. Finalists will also be considered for nearly 1,000 corporate-sponsored scholarships and 4,100 college-sponsored merit scholarships.

Finalists will be announced in February, with scholarship winners notified beginning in spring 2027. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the group of finalists based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments.

“We are extremely proud of James,” said West Aurora High School Principal Whitney Martino. “This recognition highlights his strong commitment to academic achievement and excellence, placing him among an outstanding group of students recognized nationwide.”

West Aurora High School and West Aurora Unit District 129 congratulate Chan on this academic achievement and wish him continued success as he advances in the National Merit Scholarship Program.