WPS Student Named in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

Berlin, MD – Head of School Dr. Betsy Hornung from Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) has announced that senior Gavin Mann of Bishopville, Maryland, has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC).

 

Approximately 16,000 students were selected as semifinalists out of 1.2 million juniors who entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

 

As a semifinalist, Gavin has a chance to continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million that will be awarded next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must meet several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist status, and roughly half of the Finalists will receive a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

 

A standout scholar at Worcester Prep, Gavin has maintained a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 101.6 weighted GPA while completing the school’s most rigorous academic curriculum. Among his many honors, he was named Worcester Prep’s Best All-Round Student for Grades 9–11 and earned the school’s highest academic average for grades 9–11 in 2025–2026. He is a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

 

In addition to his academic achievements, Gavin has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his time at Worcester Prep. He has served as Class Vice President throughout grades 9–12 and will serve as Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper during his senior year. In 2026, he was selected to attend Maryland Boys State, where he was elected President of the City Council for Flag City and chosen as the inaugural Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland.

 

His accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. A three-year starter on the Varsity Lacrosse team, Gavin is anticipated to serve as team captain during his senior season. He was also selected as captain of the Varsity Soccer team and has been part of two ESIAC Conference Championship teams.

 

He has demonstrated a commitment to service, volunteering with TOPSoccer, where he mentors children with physical and developmental disabilities, and supporting remote access to services at The Community Church at Ocean Pines.

“Gavin represents the academic achievement, leadership, and character we value at WPS,” said Head of School Dr. Betsy Hornung. “We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition and look forward to celebrating his continued accomplishments.”

 

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 260 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation's scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. For more information, visit www.nationalmerit.org.

 

Founded in 1970, WPS is a private, independent Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 School, located in Berlin, Maryland.  Approximately 500 students attend from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.  For more information about WPS, please visit www.worcesterprep.org or call 410.641.3575.