Six Virgin Islands students have been named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among the top high school scholars in the nation. This week, both Antilles School on St. Thomas and Gifft Hill School on St. John celebrated their honorees — Emma Walters and Dax Chouiniere — whose recognition, officials said, underscores the depth of student talent across the territory.
More than 1.3 million juniors entered the program by sitting for the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Only about 16,000 students across the country were named Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Both Walters and Chouiniere now advance in the competition for roughly 7,500 scholarships totaling nearly $30 million, with winners to be announced beginning next spring.
At Gifft Hill, Head of School Liz Kinsella praised Chouiniere’s achievement, calling it a testament to his “talent, hard work, and dedication to his studies.”
She said his recognition also reflects the rigor and resilience of GHS students, and the school’s commitment to preparing them for opportunities at the highest level. As a semifinalist, Chouiniere will now submit an application detailing his academic record, extracurricular involvement, and a personal essay, a process Kinsella said highlights not only achievement but also leadership and character.
“Dax’s success is a wonderful example of our mission in action,” she added.
At Antilles, Walters’s achievement is celebrated alongside her many contributions to campus life. A member of the Class of 2026, she is a sailor, artist, and founding member of the National Art Honor Society. Walters previously gained national attention as the Virgin Islands winner of the 2023 Doodle for Google competition, where her work spotlighted the beauty of St. Thomas. Her curiosity has also led her toward architecture and economics, subjects she says fascinate her for their lasting impact and real-world application.
“Through my classes, I’ve discovered new interests and learned valuable skills,” Walters said. “Being part of our sailing team also helped me build confidence and connect with others. Overall, Antilles has played a big role in shaping who I am today, and I’ve truly appreciated our wonderful community.”
Head of School Shannon Harris said Walters’s recognition is a celebration of both her academic excellence and her approach to learning. “Her recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist speaks to her academic excellence, but just as importantly, it reflects the way she approaches learning — with curiosity, passion, and a sense of purpose,” Harris said. “Emma’s contributions extend well beyond the classroom, from her leadership in the arts to the example she sets for her peers.”
Both students will submit scholarship applications, including essays and recommendations, as part of the process to advance to Finalist status. Finalists will be named in February, with scholarship recipients announced between April and July 2026.
St. Croix Source
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