Headshot of a smiling young woman with long dark hair against a blue gradient background with curved gold and white accents at the bottom.The National Merit® Scholarship Corporation has announced that Julienne Lim, a 2026 graduate of Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, has been awarded a 2026 National Merit college-sponsored Scholarship.  

Lim is one of approximately 2,500 students nationwide selected to receive a National Merit Scholarship funded by U.S. colleges and universities. She was awarded the National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship. 

"While I am grateful to have received merit scholarships from a few outstanding universities, The University of Alabama's National Merit Finalist Scholarship stood out as an exceptional opportunity, and I was honored to accept it,” said Lim. “This full-ride award, which includes full tuition for up to five years, is both a meaningful affirmation that years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary opportunities and a way for me to pursue my academic goals while significantly reducing the financial burden on my family. Based on my experience, I encourage underclassmen not to overlook the PSAT, as a strong performance can open doors to life-changing scholarships and opportunities." 

National Merit Scholarship winners are chosen based on a rigorous evaluation of academic excellence, leadership, and potential for success in challenging college coursework. Finalists are assessed on their academic records, PSAT/NMSQT® scores, extracurricular achievements, essays, and recommendations from school officials.  

Established in 1955, the National Merit® Scholarship Program is one of the most respected academic competitions in the United States, recognizing and rewarding exceptional high school students each year.