Dobyns-Bennett High School Students Recognized as National Merit Commended Students

KINGSPORT, TENN. – Six (6) Dobyns-Bennett High School students have been named as National Merit Commended Students in the 71st Annual 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, a program designed to identify and honor the top high school students in the United States.
 
Those named as National Merit Scholarship Commended Students from Dobyns-Bennett are:
  • Jaxon Buckley
  • Benjamin Culp
  • Emily Doyle
  • Christopher Egan
  • Breanna Hill
  • Grant Smith
"We are proud of the students named as Commended in the National Merit Program," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Brian Tate. "This recognition demonstrates each student's commitment to rigorous academics and reflects well on their future potential." 
 
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); which served as an initial screening of program entrants. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. 
 
For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Program, please contact the Dobyns-Bennett High School Counseling Office at (423) 378.8409 or visit nationalmerit.org
 
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district). 
 
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