Eagan High named NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence; 35 District 196 seniors earn National Merit or College Board recognition

District 196 recognized student academic and performing-arts achievements Monday: Eagan High School received the 2025 National Federation of State High School Associations Performing Arts School of Excellence award, and principals named 35 district seniors honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program and College Board recognition programs.

"Eagan High School embodies everything that the award is meant to celebrate," Dr. Polly Rykowski, Eagan High principal, said while describing the plaque and the NFHS selection. She explained that NFHS invites schools to apply, reviews multi-year program materials, and selects one high school nationally each year. Rykowski told the board Eagan is the tenth high school to receive the honor since the program began in 2016 and that the school was surprised with the award at its Oct. 3 homecoming pep fest.

District presenters also named students by school who were recognized for National Merit and College Board acknowledgments. Dr. Rykowski said District 196 had 35 seniors honored and that semifinalists and finalists in the National Merit program will be eligible for scholarships from the National Merit organization, corporate sponsors and colleges. "These students will be notified of scholarships in March 2026," she said.

Eastview and Rosemount principals also introduced their recognized students and families were invited to stand and be acknowledged.

Why it matters: the honors highlight academic and arts programs in District 196 and give students access to national recognition and scholarship opportunities.