(SIS) — Saipan International School is proud to announce outstanding national recognition earned by several members of the Class of 2026 through two of the most prestigious academic programs in the United States: the National Merit Scholarship Program and the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Dong Hyun Lee has advanced to finalist standing in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. This distinction places him among approximately 15,000 students nationwide who advanced from over 16,000 semifinalists and more than 1.3 million students who initially entered the competition. National Merit finalists are recognized for exceptional academic achievement, strong standardized test performance, leadership, and high potential for future academic success. From this group of finalists, approximately 6,870 students will be selected to receive National Merit Scholarships later this spring.
In addition, four SIS students have been named candidates for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program:
• Jiho Kong
• Dong Gyu Lee
• Dong Hyun Lee
• Victor Nash M. Santos
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964, recognizes some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. Candidates are selected based on exceptional academic achievement, particularly performance on the SAT or ACT. From this highly competitive pool, students may be invited to submit applications for further consideration, with final Scholars selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and honored by the U.S. Department of Education.
“These recognitions reflect not only the extraordinary dedication and talent of our students, but also the strength of the academic program at Saipan International School,” said the headmaster of Saipan International School. “We are immensely proud of our students for earning national distinction and representing our island community at the highest academic levels.”
Saipan International School continues to offer a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses, designed to prepare students for success at leading universities worldwide. The achievements of these students highlight SIS’s commitment to academic excellence and global opportunity.
SIS congratulates these exceptional students and their families on this remarkable accomplishment.
For more information, email [email protected] or call (670) 288-9660.
