Wantagh High School seniors Ethan Chen and Liam Fields were named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition. They were among more than 16,000 students nationally to earn the distinction based on their performance on the PSAT exam.

Ethan and Liam are well-rounded students who have challenged themselves academically while also getting involved in athletics, extracurricular activities and community service projects. 

A product of Forest Lake Elementary School, Ethan is co-vice president of the Wantagh Animal Rights and Recycling club, president of Science Honor Society, secretary of Math Honor Society, president of National Honor Society, and a member of the Chemistry Club, Key Club, Mathletes, World Language Honor Society and cross-country, winter track and spring track teams. He plays the cello in the string ensemble and volunteered this past summer at the Wantagh Public Library. 

Liam, who got his start at Mandalay Elementary School, is the building manager for Stage Crew, co-captain of the Academic Team, and a member of the bowling team, board game club, WARR club and Business, Math, National, Science and World Language honor societies. Outside of school, he belongs to Boy Scout Troop 656 and earned the Eagle Scout rank by completing a community service project for Christ Lutheran Church. 

After high school, Liam plans to pursue a career in either law or mechanical engineering. Ethan is looking to study either engineering or medicine.

Both students said it is exciting to earn the distinction of National Merit semifinalist and potentially earn a college scholarship. Ethan and Liam added that it validates their dedication to their studies and strong work ethic. 

The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than 1% of seniors in the United States, and includes the highest-scoring entrants from each state. About 95% of semifinalists will advance to finalist standing, and will then compete for more than 6,900 National Merit Scholarships to be awarded in the spring, totaling about $26 million.