FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tampa, Fl. (April 23, 2026) –Two Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) seniors have been named 2026 Corporate‑Sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners, earning national recognition for their academic achievement and future promise, according to an announcement released today by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
The students are among approximately 700 high school seniors nationwide selected to receive corporate‑sponsored scholarships as part of the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
The HCPS honorees are:
Ishan H. Kalaria, Strawberry Crest High School
Recipient of the National Merit Walgreens Co. Scholarship
Probable career field: Medicine
Sophia B. Rodriguez, Robinson High School
Recipient of the National Merit Northrop Grumman Scholarship
Probable career field: Engineering
“We are incredibly proud of Ishan and Sophia for earning this well‑deserved national recognition,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Their success reflects not only their hard work and determination, but also the strength of the rigorous academic programs we offer across Hillsborough County Public Schools—programs designed to challenge students, expand opportunities, and prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.”
Corporate‑sponsored National Merit Scholarships are financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations to recognize Finalists who meet the specific criteria of the sponsoring organization. Many of the awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and may be used at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
High school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT® during their junior year. Semifinalists are selected based on state‑level performance and must complete a rigorous application process to advance to Finalist standing, demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievement.
By the conclusion of the 2026 competition, approximately 6,700 students nationwide will receive National Merit Scholarships totaling nearly $24 million. Additional National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners and college‑sponsored scholarship recipients will be announced later this spring and summer.