BUCKEYE, AZ - Buckeye Union High School District is proud to recognize Aiston Schmidt, a senior, for being named a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Schmidt is among approximately 34,000 students nationwide being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Students receiving Commended Student recognition demonstrated strong performance on the qualifying examination. NMSC determined the Commended Student designation using a national Selection Index score of 208, applicable to program participants without regard to state-by-state distribution. Students who achieved or exceeded the Commended Student Selection Index but did not reach their state's Semifinalist Selection Index were designated Commended Students.

Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, the recognition highlights their academic accomplishments and potential for future success.

NMSC representatives noted that students receiving this distinction have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success and emphasized the important role schools play in supporting students' academic development.

BUHSD congratulates Aiston Schmidt on this distinguished national recognition and celebrates this achievement as a reflection of his academic dedication and continued pursuit of excellence.

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