Congratulations to Highland High School (HHS) senior Joshua Haviland, who has been named a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program!

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships. Students enter the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year.

Joshua earned the distinction of placing among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2027 competition by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Joshua is among approximately 34,000 students nationwide being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

“Joshua’s recognition as a Commended Student is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work and dedication he has demonstrated throughout his time at Highland,” said HHS Principal Brandon Opitz. “We are incredibly proud to see him recognized on a national level and look forward to all that he will accomplish in the future.”

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. The organization notes that recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the role their schools play in their academic development, is important to advancing educational excellence.

Please join the Highland Central School District in congratulating Joshua on this well-deserved recognition. We wish him continued success throughout his senior year and beyond!