Senior Max Pionke was recently named a National Merit Semifinalist, due to his high ranking PSAT score. This program honors approximately 17,000 students nationwide each year, which puts Pionke in the top 1% of all test takers nationwide. 

“When I came to school a bunch of people were congratulating me and I didn’t know what for,” Pionke said. “I then asked a teacher and they explained to me there was an instagram post about me being a finalist, I was surprised as I didn’t even know the program existed.”

The program takes all PSAT scores from every junior in the country. The PSAT is a preliminary test that consists of two sections: reading/writing and math. The top scorers become finalists and receive many benefits for college. 

“When I heard he was a finalist I was not surprised because his math skills are above the chart,” Math teacher Dan Likos said. “He is a super, nice, respectful, and curious student.” 

The recently confirmed cutoffs reveal that the Class of 2026 had the highest Semifinalists scores ever on the PSAT. Pionke is also one of 217 finalists in the whole state. 

“He’s amazing,” College Advisor Dave Boland said. “As compared to many other students, he certainly is in the top 3% that I’ve seen in my 40 years of education.” 

Some colleges will offer full tuition to finalists, as doors also open up for professional opportunities in the future. 

“This opens up all kinds of pathways for him in honors college, programming, and whatever he does at the college level,” Boland said. “But then beyond that opens up doors in terms of internships and job opportunities.” 

The school has on average one to two finalists every year, although this year Pionke stands alone as the only one 

“This definitely is something that shines the spotlight on Max and gives him opportunities deservedly,” Boland said. “He will definitely go far with all of this.”