WHEELING, W. Va., Sept. 11, 2026 — The Linsly School is proud to announce that senior Jaxon Milam has been named a Semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program which places him among an elite group of academically talented high school students nationwide.
Milam is part of the semifinalist group that represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors selected from more than 1.2 million students who entered the 2027 competition by taking the 2025 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying exam (PSAT).
While this recognition marks a major academic milestone, Milam’s contributions at Linsly extend well beyond the classroom. He serves as a school prefect leading the Learn Committee, vice president of the National Honor Society, president of the Science and Engineering Club, senior class vice president, and a member of the tennis team. Additionally, Milam is a national science fair participant, an AP Scholar, and an active leader in numerous campus and community service initiatives.
“Jaxon represents so much of what we value at Linsly,” said Dr. Justin Zimmerman, Head of School. “He is a talented student who consistently challenges himself academically, but just as importantly, he demonstrates the leadership, integrity, and character we hope to instill in every student. We want our graduates to leave us prepared not only for the academic demands of college but ready to make a positive impact on the world around them. Jaxon’s achievement is a wonderful reflection of that balance.”
As a National Merit Semifinalist, Jaxon will continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, worth approximately $24 million. More than 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to finalist standing, with finalists to be notified in February 2027.
The National Merit Scholarship Program evaluates students not only on academic performance, but also on leadership, participation in school and community activities, employment, honors, and other accomplishments as students advance through the competition. That broader emphasis mirrors Linsly’s own educational philosophy.
As an independent day and boarding school, Linsly challenges students to pursue academic excellence while encouraging them to become active members of their school, communities and the world around them. Through rigorous academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and the close relationships fostered within the Linsly community, students are encouraged to discover their strengths and use them in service of others.
As a National Merit Semifinalist, Jaxon will continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, worth approximately $24 million. More than 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to finalist standing, with finalists to be notified in February 2027.
