LAWRENCE — Central Catholic High School senior and Newbury resident Milena Mataac was recently named a finalist in the prestigious 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program competition. She joins fellow CCHS senior and finalist Mason Crowley ‘26.
Mataac is among approximately 15,000 students, representing less than 1% of high school seniors, who have been named finalists in the 71st annual 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
She will now continue in the competition for approximately 7,140 National Merit scholarships worth nearly $28 million which will be awarded in spring 2026.
“The entire Central Catholic community is beyond proud of the academic success of these students,” Principal Andrew Murray said. “We are confident that they will move on to amazing accomplishments and make the CCHS legacy even stronger.”
Mataac ‘26, who attended Immaculate Conception School in Newburyport before attending Central Catholic, is involved in a variety of campus activities including tennis, the National Honor Society, Raider Review newspaper, concert band, student ambassadors, the Student Alumni Association, Visions Coffeehouse, the Camp Champagnat Leadership Institute and art club. Outside of CCHS, Milena takes piano lessons and plays club tennis.
“Central Catholic is a very special place, because it provides every student with an opportunity to pursue their own unique interests. There is always something new to try, and there are so many people here — teachers, faculty, and fellow students — who will never hesitate to give you their full support,” Mataac said.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.