Five Gilbert Public Schools students have earned prestigious National Merit Scholarships in the 2025 competition, including both corporate-sponsored merit scholarships and National Merit $2,500 Scholarships.

These scholarships recognize exceptional academic achievement, with corporate-sponsored awards providing financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study, and $2,500 scholarships providing a single-payment award.

Representing Campo Verde High and Gilbert Classical Academy, these students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to excellence.

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding high school juniors who excel on the Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, which serves as an initial screen of program entrants.

Less than 1% of seniors nationwide become semifinalists based on their state's performance.

To become finalists and compete for scholarships, semifinalists submit detailed applications that include an essay and information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Students must also have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT or ACT scores confirming qualifying test performance.

"Earning a National Merit Scholarship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these students," Marcie Taylor, assistant superintendent of secondary education at Gilbert Public Schools, said in a release. "Their outstanding academic accomplishments, combined with their commitment to serving others, make us incredibly proud. We are excited to follow their journeys and see what they accomplish in the future."

This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program awarded scholarships in multiple categories. 

The corporate-sponsored merit scholarship is financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.

These scholarships are awarded to finalists who meet the criteria of their sponsors.

Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate college study and provide annual stipends that range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000.

Recipients can use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.

Conner Daneshkhah, a senior at Gilbert Classical Academy, earned the corporate-sponsored merit scholarship from Northrop Grumman. 

“My involvement in clubs like Mu Alpha Theta, GCA’s Math Club, and the supportive environment at the school played a big role in me finding my passion in math,” Daneshkhah sai. “The tutoring opportunities I’ve had and the exposure to higher-level math have challenged me and helped me develop skills that make me feel prepared to study mechanical engineering at ASU.”

The National Merit $2,500 Scholarships are awarded to finalists in each state who have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

These single-payment scholarships are funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Evelyn Frost from Campo Verde High  along with Bhavani Arvind, Pranav Kodali  and Rati Tabatadze from Gilbert Classical Academy each earned the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship.