Mike R. Waldrip, Superintendent Frisco Independent School District | friscoisd.org
The 133 Frisco ISD students named 2025 National Merit Semifinalists are excelling in more than academics. They are also active in fine arts, athletics, and career readiness courses at the CTE Center.
FISD emphasizes that students should be recognized for more than their scores, grades, or awards. The district believes they embody the whole of their passions and pursuits fostered within Frisco ISD.
Over 77% of the 2025 Semifinalists have sought enrichment beyond traditional advanced or college-level courses. Of Frisco ISD’s state-high total:
- 74 Semifinalists are involved in fine arts
- 36 are taking courses at the CTE Center
- 14 participate in athletics
- 7 serve as library or teacher's aides
- 1 is part of the Navy JROTC
Examples from the list include:
- A Lebanon Trail senior who is captain of the Navy JROTC academic team and takes a health science course at the CTE Center.
- An Emerson senior who plays football and takes an engineering course at CTEC.
- A Heritage senior who serves as a drum major for the band.
The group includes 23 orchestra students, 14 band students, four swimmers, and four tennis players. There are also 11 art students, four health sciences students, and two football players among them.
Many of these students pursue multiple activities or classes as part of FISD’s student opportunity model, which promotes greater chances for academic and extracurricular participation and leadership.
"The dedication and passion of our National Merit Semifinalists extend beyond academics, and it shows in the wide variety of interests and activities they pursue in our schools,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Todd Fouche. “From athletics to the arts, their achievements reflect the strength of character and commitment to excellence that define them."
Students qualified as National Merit Semifinalists through their scores on the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT. Information about the 2024 PSAT being administered to all 10th and 11th grade students during the school day on Oct. 2 is available.
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