Ironwood senior from Glendale makes National Merit semifinals

Three Peoria Unified School Disrict seniors have earned one of the nation's most prestigious academic distinctions, being named semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Benjamin Tran of Ironwood High School in Glendale is one of the semifinalists, meaning he is among the highest-scoring students in Arizona and represents less than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide.

Norah Brooks and Evan Taylor of Sunrise Mountain High School are the other PUSD semifinalists.

National Merit Semifinalists are selected based on Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test performance. In 2025, more than 1.2 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. 

"Benjamin, Norah and Evan represent the very best of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and a passion for learning," said Tahlya Visintainer, PUSD interim superintendent. "We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see the positive impact they will make in their future college and career endeavors."

To become a finalist, students will submit a detailed scholarship application which includes information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received.

Finalists will be announced in spring 2027, and selected students will compete for National Merit Scholarships funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, colleges and universities, and corporate sponsors.