Cape Coral Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

Five high school seniors from Cape Coral and surrounding Lee County schools have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students represent the top 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide for exceptional academic ability.

The Semifinalists are:

• William Hart, Cape Coral High School
• Philip Walczak, Estero High School
• Asher Frey, Fort Myers High School
• Austen Summy, Fort Myers High School
• Agustin Calderon, Mariner High School

William Hart, pursuing an International Baccalaureate Diploma at Cape Coral High School, plans to study biology and chemistry at MIT or Duke University. His teacher, Katelyn Uhler, said, "William is a dedicated scholar in our IB Diploma Program who thrives on academic challenges while remaining deeply committed to supporting his peers."

Philip Walczak of Estero High School earned a Cambridge Diploma with Merit and is dual-enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University. He aims to study aerospace engineering at MIT or Purdue University. Estero High School Principal Jen Seluk stated, "Philip has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in his school and community."

At Fort Myers High School, Asher Frey is on track to graduate with an IB Diploma and intends to pursue a degree in genetics with a focus on laboratory research. Principal Christian Engelhart commented, "Asher is an exceptional young man who consistently demonstrates both academic excellence and a genuine commitment to helping others."

Austen Summy, also from Fort Myers High School, is pursuing an IB Diploma and plans to study philosophy or economics before law school. Principal Engelhart added, "Austen has made a tremendous impact on Fort Myers High School over the past three years. He is an exceptional student who has also distinguished himself through his involvement in a wide range of extracurricular activities."

Agustin Calderon from Mariner High School plans to study aerospace engineering at MIT, with strong interests in physics, chemistry, and quantum mechanics. Mariner High School teacher Randall Cook described Agustin as, "one of the most brilliant students I have ever taught."

These students qualified for the program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). They now compete for approximately 6,700 scholarships worth nearly $24 million, to be awarded in Spring 2027.