Michael Malyshev and Fate MacAlasdair have earned the distinguished honor of being named Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. This national recognition places them among the top high school seniors in the country, a distinction awarded to less than one percent of U.S. students each year.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States. It begins with more than a million entrants nationwide, who qualify through their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. From there, a select group is identified as Semifinalists, and only a fraction of those students advance to Finalist standing. To reach this level, students must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and character, along with strong recommendations from their schools.

Michael and Fate’s achievement is not only a reflection of their dedication in the classroom, but also their commitment to growth, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in every area of their lives. As National Merit Finalists, they stand as role models for their peers and an inspiration for younger students following in their footsteps.

This recognition highlights the core of what it means to be a Citizen of Significance—someone who combines intellectual ability with purpose-driven leadership and character. Michael and Fate are poised to continue their academic journeys at top universities and to make meaningful contributions to the communities they join.

Congratulations to both Michael Malyshev and Fate MacAlasdair on this remarkable honor and milestone achievement!