Story by Jennifer Hines
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success…We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Spokesperson for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Tyler ISD is proud to celebrate two Tyler Legacy High School students, Malcolm Jones and Jackson Larsh, for being named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program.
This honor places them among the top 50,000 students nationwide who entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Of those, only about 34,000 students earn recognition as Commended Students for their outstanding academic promise. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, this distinction highlights their exceptional performance and academic potential.
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments and the key role their schools play in their academic development is vital to advancing educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Courtesy photos by Tyler Independent School District
