Paris High School senior Arjan Khadka has been named a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, recognizing him among some of the nation’s highest-achieving high school students.

Paris High School Principal Chris Vaughn presented Arjan with a Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program.

Approximately 34,000 Commended Students nationwide are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for 2027 National Merit Scholarship awards, the designation recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and potential.

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” a spokesperson for NMSC said. The organization also noted the importance of recognizing students’ accomplishments and the role schools play in supporting their academic development.

Arjan’s recognition adds to an already impressive senior year. He was also recently named a 2026 Carson Scholar, earning a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of academic achievement and community service.

Paris ISD congratulates Arjan on this outstanding national recognition and celebrates his continued commitment to academic excellence.