11 BHHS Students Earn National Merit Recognition

Eleven Beverly Hills High School students have earned recognition in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, including two Semifinalists whose distinction is achieved by fewer than 1% of U.S. high school graduating seniors, according to BHUSD.

The Board of Education celebrated the students during the Teacher/Student Spotlight at its October 13 regular meeting, recognizing two National Merit Semifinalists and nine Commended Students.

Daniel Marmo and Arianna Matcuk earned Semifinalist standing as two of California's highest-scoring program entrants. They have the opportunity to advance in the competition for National Merit Scholarships.

The nine Commended Students are Scarlet Amidon, Alexander Fan, Nima Farnad, Jacob Gabayan, Justin Kim, Lea Levy, Sydel Nouray, Daria Serheyeva and Yeonseo Song. The district said their scores placed them among approximately the top 4% of program entrants nationwide.

BHHS Commended Students are recognized at the October 13, 2026 Board of Education meeting for their achievement in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing among approximately the top 4% of program entrants nationwide. Students recognized (not listed in photo order): Scarlet Amidon, Alexander Fan, Nima Farnad, Jacob Gabayan, Justin Kim, Lea Levy, Sydel Nouray, Daria Serheyeva, and Yeonseo Song.

BHHS Commended Students are recognized at the October 13, 2026 Board of Education meeting for their achievement in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing among approximately the top 4% of program entrants nationwide. Students recognized (not listed in photo order): Scarlet Amidon, Alexander Fan, Nima Farnad, Jacob Gabayan, Justin Kim, Lea Levy, Sydel Nouray, Daria Serheyeva, and Yeonseo Song.

All 11 students earned recognition through their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, known as the PSAT/NMSQT. They entered the 2027 competition by taking the assessment in fall 2025, during their junior year. According to the district, the program screens approximately 1.3 million entrants nationwide.

Board President Judy Manouchehri credited the students' work and the support of their teachers and families.

"Our students are distinguishing themselves among the nation's highest achievers, and that is a powerful reflection of a Beverly Hills education," Manouchehri said. "These 11 students have earned national recognition through their hard work, supported by teachers who challenge them, and families who encourage them. Their success brings pride to our entire community and shows what our students can achieve when high expectations are matched with opportunity and support."

The recognition brought students and families together at the board meeting to celebrate the honorees' academic accomplishments. The district announced the honors in an October 14 press release.