National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Maine School of Science and Mathematics is proud to announce that seniors Aubrey Ainsworth and Finn Dedek have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. This recognition places them among the top students in the nation, highlighting their dedication to academics, leadership, and personal growth.

Aubrey Ainsworth
When Aubrey first learned the news, she described feeling “a mix of excitement and disbelief.” After seeing her scores for the first time, she sat at her desk, overwhelmed at the accomplishment, before sharing the moment with her roommate. Aubrey credits her friends as her biggest motivators, explaining how they push each other to strive for excellence while supporting one another.

At MSSM, Aubrey has learned to balance a demanding schedule through careful planning, exercise, and time for hobbies. She has been deeply influenced by the school’s rigorous academics, particularly in the sciences. “I was never interested in science until my first-year chemistry class,” she explained. That early challenge sparked her curiosity and helped her develop stronger study habits, which she now uses to support both her own learning and that of her classmates.

Looking ahead, Aubrey plans to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree in biology or pre-med before attending medical school. Reflecting on her time at MSSM, she says, “It has meant the world to me. MSSM has opened up numerous opportunities that I would never have had access to coming from a small, rural town.”

It has meant the world to me. MSSM has opened up numerous opportunities that I would never have had access to coming from a small, rural town.

Finn Dedek
For Finn, the honor comes with a sense of determination and resilience. He recalls how, while battling pneumonia, he had to advocate for the chance even to take the PSAT. Being named a semifinalist, he says, “feels very rewarding.”

Finn credits one of his closest friends, who is also a National Merit Semifinalist, with motivating him throughout his academic journey. He lives by the belief that every opportunity is worth taking, since “someone thought enough of you to offer it.” This mindset has helped him balance academics, sports, and friendships by finding overlap between the many experiences he pursues.

Joining MSSM for his senior year, Finn was drawn to the school’s community of motivated learners and the chance to take advanced classes with like-minded peers. “Even in the first few weeks, I find that I am growing into a better student already,” he shared. Finn hopes to attend Yale University to study economics and mathematics, with goals of traveling, studying abroad, and taking advantage of internships.

Even in the first few weeks, I find that I am growing into a better student already,

National Merit Scholarship Criteria and Next Steps
The National Merit Scholarship Program begins with the PSAT/NMSQT, which is taken in the junior year. About 1.5 million students take the exam annually, but only the top 1% in each state—about 16,000 students—qualify as Semifinalists. To be eligible, students must meet their state’s cutoff score, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be on track to graduate.

From here, Aubrey and Finn will submit detailed applications to advance to Finalist status. These include academic records, confirming SAT or ACT scores, essays, leadership and activity resumes, and recommendations from school officials. Each year, about 15,000 Semifinalists move forward as Finalists, and roughly half of them receive scholarships. Awards include $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, as well as corporate- and college-sponsored scholarships.

Even at the Semifinalist stage, recognition is a significant achievement. It signals exceptional academic talent and opens doors to additional college opportunities. We congratulate Aubrey and Finn on this outstanding honor and look forward to following their continued success.