Two Smithville High seniors named National Merit semifinalists

Smithville High School seniors Emily Duquits and Reina Williams were named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition, a district staff member announced at a Smithville R-II board meeting.

The announcement noted the National Merit designation recognizes students who scored highest on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; about 16,000 semifinalists are chosen from roughly 1.3 million entrants, the staff member said. The speaker did not provide additional details about next steps for the semifinalists.

Emily Duquits, who was present, spoke briefly and thanked the board and her parents, saying, "My parents are here, so thanks you guys for coming." Reina Williams was not in attendance at the meeting; district staff said she was out of state.

The recognition was part of school updates presented to the board. No formal action or award was taken by the board during this agenda item.