Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 4/23/2025 4:55:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fl. (April 23, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools is proud to announce this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners, as released today by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®). The scholarship winners were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: their academic record, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
“This is an amazing accomplishment for our students, and I want to congratulate them,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “They represent the very best of Hillsborough County Public Schools, demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to their future success.”
Students may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
Congratulations to Hillsborough County Public Schools’ National Merit Scholarship Winners:
Alan Xiang, Alonso High School
Siddanth R. Devanathan, Strawberry Crest High School