Two Beverly Hills High Seniors Named Semifinalists in National Merit Program

Ezra Albert and Xander Matcuk, both seniors at Beverly Hills High School, have advanced to semifinalist standing in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, the district announced this week.

The two students stood out among more than 1.5 million juniors who took last year’s Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Their scores placed them in the top tier nationwide.

Both were formally recognized at the September Board of Education meeting, where they accepted certificates from district officials and Principal Jarrod Chin.

Dr. Dustin Seemann, assistant superintendent of educational services, praised the pair in a statement.

“We are incredibly proud of Ezra and Xander for earning this national distinction,” Seemann said. “Their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance represent the very best of BHUSD students.”

Albert and Matcuk began their education at Horace Mann Elementary, continued at Beverly Vista Middle School, and now represent the culmination of a Beverly Hills Unified education as they near graduation.

As semifinalists, they remain eligible to compete for approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring. Finalist announcements are expected in February.