April 27, 2026 — Four exceptional Cobb Schools seniors are receiving national recognition for their academic excellence, leadership, and future potential. As part of the first announcement in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, Krishna Anand, Ritvik Ranjan, Jerry T. Xu, and Owen Alexander have each earned corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarships—an achievement that places them among the most accomplished students in the nation.
Campbell High School
| Krishna Anand | Probable career field: Economics | National Merit Truist Scholarship |
| Owen Alexander | Probable career field: Applied Mathematics | National Merit Rheem Manufacturing Company Scholarship |
Wheeler High School
| Ritvik Ranjan | Probable career field: Mathematics | National Merit Truist Scholarship |
Walton High School
| Jerry T. Xu | Probable career field: Law | National Merit State Farm Companies Foundation Scholarship |
These four students are part of an elite group of approximately 700 seniors nationwide who received corporate-sponsored awards in this first round of the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Their accomplishments place them among the top high school scholars in the country, a distinction earned through years of consistent effort.
The journey to becoming a National Merit Scholar begins long before senior year. Students enter the program as juniors by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as the initial screening. From more than 1.3 million participants nationwide, only about 16,000 students are named Semifinalists. From there, students must meet rigorous requirements to advance to Finalist standing, including maintaining outstanding academic records, earning confirming SAT or ACT scores, and receiving recommendations from school officials.
Sponsors such as Truist Financial Corporation, the State Farm Companies Foundation, and Rheem Manufacturing Company invest in students who align with their mission—whether that means strengthening communities, advancing innovation, or pursuing careers that make a difference.
Most of these scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and can be used at any accredited college or university in the United States.
For these Cobb seniors, that support will open doors to new opportunities and help them take the next steps toward their goals. And their recognition comes at the beginning of a larger celebration. In the coming months, additional National Merit Scholarship recipients will be announced, with approximately 6,700 students nationwide ultimately earning awards totaling nearly $24 million.
For Cobb Schools, moments like this reinforce the district’s commitment to academic excellence. From elementary classrooms to advanced high school programs, students are encouraged to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and prepare for life beyond graduation.
