Washington High School seniors Nathan Oreskovic and Grace Gargrave have earned national academic honors through the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Oreskovic has been named a National Merit Semifinalist, a distinction awarded to approximately 16,000 high school seniors nationwide. Semifinalists represent the top scorers in each state on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which students take during their junior year.

These students make up less than 1 percent of all U.S. high school seniors and have the opportunity to advance in the competition to become Finalists and compete for more than 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be awarded next spring.

To become a Finalist, Semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment history, and a recommendation from a school official. They must also write an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their earlier PSAT performance.

Nathan is the son of Bob and Kelly Oreskovic. Following graduation, Nathan plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in business finance and international studies.

Gargrave has been named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Program. Commended Students are recognized for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Although they do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students are among the top 50,000 scorers nationwide out of more than 1.3 million test-takers, placing them in the top 3-4 percent of United States high school seniors.

Recognition as a Commended Student is a significant academic achievement that may enhance a student’s admission prospects and scholarship opportunities at a variety of colleges and universities.

Grace is the daughter of Eric and Ann-Renee Gargrave. Grace is unsure where she will attend college, possibly the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and plans to study medicine and enroll in the 6-year BA/MD program.

The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. It is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance and underwrites scholarships with its own funds and contributions from corporate and college sponsors.

 

Washington High School seniors Grace Gargrave and Nathan Oreskovic have earned national academic honors through the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Oreskovic has been named a National Merit Semifinalist. Gargrave has been named a Commended Student.

 

 

Washington High School seniors Grace Gargrave and Nathan Oreskovic have earned national academic honors through the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Oreskovic has been named a National Merit Semifinalist. Gargrave has been named a Commended Student.

 

Grace Gargrave and Nathan Nathan Oreskovic, pictured with administrators and counselors, have earned national academic honors through the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

 

Administrators and counselors surprised Grace Gargrave and Nathan Nathan Oreskovic during class with the news that they both received honors in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
 

Administrators and counselors surprised Grace Gargrave and Nathan Nathan Oreskovic during class with the news that they both received honors in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.