Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist

Padua Franciscan High School senior Maria Shrefler ’27 was recognized as National Merit Semifinalist.

Approximately 16,000 Semifinalists throughout the nation have been recognized for their exceptional academic promise. These Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. More than 1.3 million students entered the 2027 competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to advance to the National Merit Finalist standing. They will be notified in February 2027.

Shrefler is very involved at Padua. She is a member of the Orchestra, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra for theatrical productions, Key Club, Model United Nations, and National Honor Society.

She wants to either be a physician or pursue the field of laboratory medicine at The Ohio State University or Case Western Reserve University. Prior to Padua, Shrefler graduated from Incarnate Word Academy.