Babylon Junior-Senior High School is proud to announce that senior and Class of 2026 valedictorian Cassidy Hayes has been named a National Merit Finalist in the prestigious 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Hayes, who was previously recognized as a Semifinalist in September 2025, has now advanced to Finalist standing following a rigorous application process that included submission of detailed academic records, SAT or ACT scores confirming her earlier performance on the qualifying exam, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation from a high school official. The selection process also evaluated her demonstrated leadership abilities, participation in school and community activities, and honors and awards received throughout her high school career. 

Cassidy was among the more than 1.3 million students from roughly 20,000 high schools nationwide who entered the 2026 competition. As a Semifinalist, she was recognized among just 16,000 students nationwide, representing less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors. As a Finalist, Cassidy remains in the running for one of approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered this spring. 
 
 "We are incredibly proud of Cassidy for this remarkable achievement," said Babylon Junior-Senior High School Principal Al Cirone, who previously praised Hayes for her hard work and dedication when she was named a Semifinalist.

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/ and Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/babylonufsd.