P-CEP Celebrates Three More 2026 National Merit Scholarship Winners

CANTON,  MI — Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) is proud to announce that three additional members of the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (P-CEP) Class of 2026, Samendu R. Manoj, Hasan Rizwan, and Riley J. Silverman, have earned one of the nation’s highest academic honors after being named recipients of 2026 National Merit Scholarships.

Their selection brings the district's total to 10 National Merit Scholarship recipients from this year’s graduating class, the largest number of scholarship winners from a single graduating class in recent district history.

Samendu, who plans to study biochemistry, Hasan, who intends to pursue public health, and Riley, who plans to major in chemistry, were among only 12 Michigan students chosen during the final round of the 2026 scholarship announcements. Their awards are funded by the colleges and universities they will attend, which select recipients from among National Merit Finalists who designate their institution as their first-choice college. Depending on the institution, scholarship packages may include partial tuition awards or cover the full cost of tuition, housing, and meals.

“Samendu, Hasan, and Riley exemplify the dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence that define so many students across our district,” said Dr. Monica L. Merritt, Superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. “We are proud to celebrate their well-earned recognition and the outstanding accomplishments of all of this year’s National Merit Scholarship recipients. Their success reflects not only their individual commitment to learning but also the supportive school communities that encourage students to pursue their goals and reach their fullest potential.”

Students entered the National Merit Scholarship competition through their performance on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Finalists were selected through a comprehensive review that considers academic performance, SAT or ACT scores, leadership, extracurricular activities, honors, a personal essay, and recommendations from school officials.

 

The addition of Samendu, Hasan, and Riley further strengthens P-CEP's record of academic achievement. Including this year's recipients, P-CCS has celebrated 16 National Merit Scholarship winners over the past two graduating classes, underscoring the district's continued commitment to academic excellence and student success.

For more information about academic opportunities at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, visit pcep.pccsk12.com.

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Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities across its extensive network of schools and programs. With 14 elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, and an alternative high school program, P-CCS offers diverse learning environments to meet the needs of all students. The district also provides transportation services, an early childhood program, before- and after-school care programs, and robust community education offerings that provide lifelong learning for the community’s adults and students.