FBCA Celebrates National Merit Semifinalist & Commended Distinctions

Senior Jessica Okusaga has been named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Competition (NMSC) Semifinalist and Senior Jamison Louie has earned Commended Status by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

NMSC officials award the Semifinalist distinction to less than 1% of high school seniors (about 16,000 nationwide) based on their scores in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Semifinalists will then be considered for advancement to the Finalist level. According to the NMSC release, "To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.”

Commended students, more than two-thirds of the top 50,000 high scorers (out of 1,300,000 test takers), are recognized by receiving a Letter of Commendation. While they will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some may be candidates for Special Scholarships. 

Fort Bend Christian Academy is incredibly proud of both Jessica and Jamison for this outstanding academic achievement, as well as all they have accomplished thus far in their high school careers. They are exceptional representatives of FBCA on the national stage. Congratulations, Eagles!