Three Hopkinton High School students — Aditi Khiste, Rudra Pachori and Jacob Wu — were named semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors who have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.

About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

Local collegians recognized

Hopkinton’s Jackson Canales, a sophomore at Wake Forest University, recently spoke in front of more than 1,600 new students during orientation as the college’s Interfraternity Council President.

“Welcoming the incoming class and representing our Greek community was an incredible opportunity to hone my public speaking and leadership skills,” Canales shared on social media. “Excited to build on this momentum throughout the rest of my term as we approach rush week!” …

At the University of Rhode Island’s 2026 commencement in May, Trinity Birtwistle graduated with a B.A. in psychology and Josephine Zeigler graduated with a B.S. in nursing.