Four East Islip High School seniors have earned recognition in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, with Eric Li named a National Merit Semifinalist and Joseph Cardillo, Sanaa Lee and Cormac Zusmer recognized as Commended Students.

More than 16,000 students nationwide were named Semifinalists, representing approximately the top 1% of high school seniors in each state. Semifinalists may continue in the competition by completing the application process to advance to Finalist standing, with approximately 6,700 students ultimately receiving National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million.

About 34,000 Commended Students nationwide are being recognized for exceptional academic promise. Although they do not continue in the scholarship competition, Commended Students placed among the approximately 50,000 highest-scoring students who entered the 2027 program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

The honors reflect the students’ outstanding academic achievement and continue East Islip High School’s tradition of excellence.