38 Klein ISD Students Recognized by National Merit Program
Update: We have just gotten word that all 8 of our Semifinalists are moving on to the next round as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship program. Your Klein ISD Community is cheering you on! Congratulations!
Eight Klein ISD students have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, and 30 have been named as commended. Semifinalists will move on to the next round of the National Merit Scholarship competition, going up against students from across the Nation.
The eight semifinalist students will also have the opportunity to earn any of the 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.
“I am so proud of these exemplary scholars, who have worked so hard to achieve this incredible academic success,” Klein ISD Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown said. “Every one of these students is exemplifying Klein ISD’s tradition of excellence in academics and truly showcases the power of hard work, grit, and determination.”
| Name | Ranking | High School |
| Patrick S. Albertson | Commended | Klein High |
| Elliot N. Anders | Semifinalist | Klein Oak |
| Julio Montolongo Blanco | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Michael Carroll | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Samaya D. Castro | Semifinalist | Klein High |
| Ray Y. Chen | Commended | Klein High |
| Calvin K. Chiu | Semifinalist | Klein Cain |
| Jonathan Chu | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Angelina Do | Commended | Klein Forest |
| Kevin P. Gibbs | Semifinalist | Klein Collins |
| Jacob Goodwin | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Emily L. Hancock | Commended | Klein High |
| Nathan R. Hobbs | Commended | Klein High |
| Ina Jaegy | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Eman Jamal | Commended | Klein High |
| David P. Johnsen | Commended | Klein High |
| Sunjung Kim | Commended | Klein Cain |
| James Liu | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Jenna Mahmoud | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Afrin Momin | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Natalie Montalbano | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Harrison P. Moore | Commended | Klein High |
| Callum Murphy | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Alishba G. Nathani | Semifinalist | Klein High |
| Jason L. Nguyen | Commended | Klein High |
| Robert Robertson | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Sara Runestrand | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Smruti Sannabhadti | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Fagun M. Shah | Semifinalist | Klein High |
| Rabiya Shaji | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Saif Sheikh | Commended | Klein Cain |
| Lillian Sharp | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Riya Tom | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Abdullah Usman | Semifinalist | Klein High |
| Madison K. Wade | Commended | Klein High |
| Ciaran Williams | Commended | Klein Oak |
| Joshua C. Wrobbel | Semifinalist | Klein Cain |
| Justin Ye | Commended | Klein Oak |
The application process for students is rigorous. Semifinalists who are considered for the Merit Scholarship award have to fulfill several requirements to move on to be finalists. Students must have exemplary academic standing, have an endorsement from a high school official, write an essay and provide SAT and ACT scores.
“I am honored to recognize these academically talented students,” Advanced Academic Services Director Kathleen Plott said. “Our students have gone the distance with academic rigor and commitment to study, resulting in a highly successful performance that is a well-deserved, nationally recognized distinction.”
Students who have qualified for the semifinalist standing represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, including the highest-scoring entrants in each state. All Merit Scholar winners are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential to be successful in their post-high school studies.
Congratulations to each of these gifted scholars! We are honored to have students like you who showcase what it means to live out your purpose.
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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There are so many incredible individuals in the Klein Family making a lasting impact on our community. We want to recognize and celebrate our leaders and learners that are cultivating talent, building relationships, reimagining learning and making Promise2Purpose a reality daily. Share your story here: https://kleinfamily.net
