News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Nov. 26, 2025) – Sixteen Chelmsford High School students, along with their families, were invited to attend a special National Merit Recognition breakfast at CHS on Thursday morning, Nov. 20, to celebrate their academic achievements.

One of those students, senior Jacob Lazar, has been named a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship program, meaning he represents the top 0.5 percent of the state’s senior students and remains in the running to earn a National Merit Scholarship.

Chelmsford High School senior Jacob Lazar has been named a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship program.

The other 15 students recognized earned commended status in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

They are:

• Pranav Ajmera
• Samhita Badhri
• Reese Boucher
• Jade Boyer
• Jackson Chludzinski
• Katherine Evans
• Madeline Finkel
• Om Juge
• Sarada Koppana
• Haarika Mandava
• Soham Mayani
• Claire Mulligan-Hoch
• Vinay Murugan
• Urja Sharma
• Millan Sondhi

“I’m really proud of all of you. We all are,” said Chelmsford High School Principal Stephen Murray. “And thank you to the parents. They obviously wouldn’t be here and be so successful without all of your support. It’s quite an achievement.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955.

The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance.

United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.