Nonnewaug High School announced that senior Maia Colavito has been recognized as a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Commended Scholar for her exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. This honor highlights Colavito’s outstanding academic proficiency and places her among the top 30% of high school student-scholars nationwide. 

The 2026 National Merit Scholarship Commended recognizes the top 50,000 students who took the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as juniors. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students receive a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Colavito will also be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting for this honor.

“Maia is an amazing student with outstanding potential,” said NHS Principal Dr. Mykal Kuslis. “I am excited that she was recognized for her academic ability. There is only a small percentage of students nationally who are recognized. It is a remarkable honor for Maia to be honored with this award.” 

According to the NMSC, those students named Commended Students have “demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success and represent a valuable national resource. Recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.”