Thirty-one students from 12 Fairfax County high schools were named winners of $2,500 scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, according to a May 13 announcement. The students are among approximately 2,500 National Merit finalists selected nationwide to receive these scholarships for 2026. The awards are primarily financed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
The recipients represent a range of career interests including music, dentistry, biochemistry, medicine, urban planning, environmental science, business administration and economics, computer science, engineering disciplines such as biomedical and mechanical engineering as well as architecture and wildlife conservation. The recognized high schools include Centreville High School; Chantilly High School; Falls Church High School; Langley High School; Lake Braddock Secondary School; Madison High School; McLean High School; Oakton High School; Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST); West Potomac High School; Westfield High School; and Woodson High School.
Each scholarship winner was evaluated on their academic record—including the difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned—along with scores from two standardized tests. Additional criteria included contributions and leadership in school and community activities, a personal essay submission, and a recommendation from a high school official. The number of winners in each state is proportional to that state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors.
All FCPS winners received scholarships supported by funds from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation itself. Winners are chosen by the corporation rather than by individual school districts.
This recognition highlights academic achievement across diverse fields among Fairfax County Public Schools students.
