The National Merit ® Scholarship Program has named Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College student Nathan Van as a Finalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition.
Nathan is among approximately 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide who have advanced to Finalist standing, placing him among the highest-achieving high school students in the country. Finalists are selected based on their academic record, leadership, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College is recognized as one of Florida’s top-performing public high schools and is known for its academically driven environment that allows students to earn college credit while completing high school requirements. This challenging learning environment prepares students for success at the highest academic levels. Nathan’s achievement reflects both his dedication to academic excellence and the supportive culture of high expectations fostered by Collegiate High School faculty and staff.
“The Collegiate High School team is very proud of the efforts and accomplishments of Nathan,” school Assistant Principal Tristin Waller shared. “We wish him the very best as he continues in the competition as a National Merit ® Finalist.”
The National Merit ® Scholarship Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and promise. Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarship Awards to be offered in 2026.
Nathan’s recognition highlights the continued tradition of academic excellence at Collegiate High School and reinforces its commitment to preparing students for success at the collegiate level and beyond.
