Brentwood High School senior Alexander Tung has been named a National Merit Finalist in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, placing him among the nation’s top academic performers.

Tung was first notified in the fall that he had been named a National Merit Semifinalist. To advance to finalist status, he completed a comprehensive application highlighting his academic record, leadership roles, extracurricular involvement, community service and honors received.

More than 1.3 million students entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Of the more than 16,000 semifinalists named last fall, approximately 15,000 students have advanced to finalist status, representing fewer than 1% of graduating seniors nationwide.

As a National Merit Finalist, Tung is now eligible to compete for approximately 6,900 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million. Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide releases between April and July.

“Being named a National Merit Finalist is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to Alex’s intellectual curiosity, discipline and commitment to excellence,” said Brentwood High School Principal Dr. Edward Johnson. “He represents the very best of Brentwood, and we are incredibly proud of his achievements and the example he sets for his peers.”

Since its founding in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation has recognized more than 389,000 students as National Merit Scholars.