University View Academy (UVA) seniors Anya Chaney-Martinez and Anyalina Vertigan were recently announced as National Merit Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high schoolers have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be awarded next spring.
Program participants must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of semifinalists is made up of the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Less than 1% of high school seniors across the country are awarded this status annually. To advance to the finalist level, Chaney-Martinez and Vertigan must submit detailed applications demonstrating outstanding academic records throughout high school. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April 2027.
A resident of St. Tammany Parish, Chaney-Martinez has attended UVA for six years. She serves as the president of UVA’s chapter of the National Honor Society and is also actively involved in National Beta Club. She is currently enrolled in UVA’s Early College Academy where she has the ability to take dual enrollment courses. Chaney-Martinez plans to attend medical school and become a doctor after graduation. She is grateful for the rigorous academic and social preparation that UVA has offered her.
“The best part about being a UVA student is the freedom to craft your own education,” Chaney-Martinez shared. “UVA provides the structure and support students need, while encouraging them to explore their individual passions. I’ve learned that being a good student isn’t about always wanting to do the work. It’s about knowing what makes you willing to do it anyway.”
A resident of East Baton Rouge Parish, Vertigan is starting her fifth year at UVA. She is also enrolled in the Early College Academy and is a member of UVA’s Quiz Bowl team. After graduation, Vertigan plans to major in physics with the dream of becoming an astrophysicist.
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University View Academy is Louisiana’s premier tuition-free K-12 online school. We offer a flexible, personalized education choice for residents across Louisiana that is powered by state-certified teachers and supported by in-person Micro Academies.