Two Steamboat Springs High School Seniors Named National Merit Finalists

Steamboat Springs, Colo. — The Steamboat Springs School District is proud to announce that Duke Fitzgerald and Lyla Baker, seniors at Steamboat Springs High School, have been named National Merit Finalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Duke and Lyla advanced to Finalist standing after first being named Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation last fall. More than 1.3 million students entered the 2026 competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, and about 15,000 students nationwide were named Finalists.

To earn this distinction, students must demonstrate sustained academic excellence, submit a detailed scholarship application, write an essay, earn confirming SAT or ACT scores, and receive endorsement from their high school.

“Reaching the Finalist stage is a testament to sustained excellence over a four-year high school career,” said Anna Allsberry and Cheryl Fullerton, school counselors at SSHS. “They have maintained a consistently high GPA in the most challenging honors and AP-level courses and certainly deserve this honor.” 

Finalists are now eligible to compete for approximately 7,000 National Merit Scholarships, which will be announced beginning in April.

“This recognition reflects Duke and Lyla’s exceptional academic achievement and commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of their hard work and perseverance.”