Three More ’26 Graduates Earn National Merit Awards

Three more outstanding graduates of Fayette County Public Schools have earned college-sponsored awards through the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among 23 recipients across Kentucky in this last round of announcements. Their scholarships will provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Congratulations to all!

Henry Clay High

• Liam Gaddis, University of Louisville, chemical engineering
• Samuel Kotter, Brigham Young University, engineering

Lafayette High

• Marshall Hamblen, University of Kentucky, mechanical engineering

The winner announcements come in four waves from April through July, including awards for corporate-sponsored scholarships, $2,500 National Merit scholarships, and two rounds of college-sponsored scholarships. The National Merit Scholarship Corp., businesses, and colleges underwrite the awards. 

All total, roughly 6,700 high school graduates nationwide are receiving about $24 million in awards. They were chosen based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.