Qiu named National Merit semifinalist

Senior Jingxuan "Joseph" Qiu, a boarding student from Shanghai, China, is among the 16,000 students nationwide to be named semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million that will be offered next spring. 

“Joseph's recognition as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist is a great achievement,” said Chad Woods, director of the Upper School. “He is a driven student who brings his best to every challenge. This honor reflects both his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to challenge himself by taking some of Darlington's most challenging courses. The Darlington Community is proud to celebrate this milestone with him and we look forward to cheering him on as he advances in the competition this spring.”

Qiu has taken three Honors and eight AP courses at Darlington. He is currently enrolled in four AP courses. Qiu serves as a coder and mentor for the robotics team. He is the son of Ying Ding and You Qiu of Shanghai, China. 

Close to 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and around half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethinic origin, or religious preference. 

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2027 will be announced beginning in April. These scholarships will join more than 395,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.