Four Cape students honored by National Merit Scholarship Program

The Cape Henlopen School District recently announce that four Cape High students have been recognized as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership and dedication to excellence. The 2026 recipients are Maxwell Roushey, Brooks Leonhart, Nathaniel Hoang and CJ Schaffer.

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, each commended student receives a formal letter of commendation for their exceptional performance on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Their high selection index scores placed them among the top 50,000 students of more than 1.3 million entrants who took part in the competition.

In a letter accompanying the recognition, the National Merit Scholarship Program notes that these students are “among about 34,000 Commended Students nationwide who have shown exceptional academic promise.” While only the top 16,000 highest-scoring participants advance to semifinalist status, the organization emphasizes that being named a Commended Student is a “credit to the student, their families and their high school,” and is a reflection of their outstanding achievement and potential for future success.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and the dedication, perseverance and intellectual curiosity they demonstrate every day,” said Kristin DeGregory, Cape High principal. “This honor highlights their commitment to excellence and the strength of the academic programs that support our students here at Cape.”

“Recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program is an incredible academic honor as a high school student,” said Dr. Jenny Nauman, district superintendent. “These students exemplify the Cape spirit of hard work, leadership and lifelong learning. From future healthcare professionals and talented musicians to accomplished athletes and computer scientists, Nate, Brooks, CJ and Max represent the very best of Cape’s academic excellence, creativity and commitment to growth.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, honors the nation’s scholastic champions and encourages the pursuit of academic excellence.

The Cape Henlopen School District congratulates these outstanding students for their remarkable accomplishment and wishes them continued success in their academic and personal pursuits.