More than 15,000 high school seniors were named National Merit Scholarship finalists for 2026. Juniors entered the 2025 National Merit program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which serves as the initial screen of program entrants.
Two of those students, Timothy Campbell and Kennedy Leary, will graduate on June 4 from West Springfield High School. Supported by rigorous academics, leadership opportunities, and supportive school communities throughout Fairfax County Public Schools, both students said they feel prepared to thrive in college and beyond.
Timothy Campbell said his academic success is due to his work ethic. “When you’re taking difficult classes and balancing them on top of sports and extracurricular activities, you have to stay focused all the time on the goals you have for yourself,” he said. “It requires a lot of self-discipline.” Campbell participated in cross country, indoor and outdoor track, played trumpet, and served as an officer in several student organizations. He said his favorite part about West Springfield was the people: “This community is super supportive and welcoming,” he said. He plans to attend Columbia University next year to major in astrophysics.
Campbell credited both his parents’ support and West Springfield’s environment with helping him succeed. “Learning how to embrace being yourself is such an important thing as you grow into adulthood,” he said.
Kennedy Leary also spoke about her positive experiences at West Springfield High School. “There are so many unique individuals from different backgrounds… It is so nice to have different groups of people you can turn to whenever you need help with a variety of issues,” she said. Leary participated in cross country, indoor track, soccer, outdoor track, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, DECA, and Student Government Association during her four years at the school.
Leary attributed her academic success partly to her faith: “I believe having faith in something can help drive you to pursue your best…” She plans to attend the University of Virginia next year with an interest in health sciences.