Oxford ACSD High School Principal Jonathan Cooley (right) and Superintendent Nicholas Colosi (left) congratulate student Cole Pecka (center) on being named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. (Photo by Zachary Meseck)

OXFORD - Oxford Academy and Central School District (OACSD) is proud to announce that senior Cole Pecka has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Cole placed among the top 50,000 students nationwide who entered the competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are recognized each year for their exceptional academic promise.

“This is an incredible opportunity, not only for Cole but also for our district,” said OACSD Superintendent Nicholas Colosi. “Hard work pays off, and this accomplishment is well deserved. We congratulate him on this achievement and wish him continued success.”

Cole, who plans to study environmental conservation in college, spoke about his passion for protecting the natural world. Cole said, “By becoming a professional in this field, I hope to make a real impact by helping society recognize that our natural world is our most important resource, and that we must work together to protect it.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), honors students across the nation for their academic achievements. While Commended Students do not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, the recognition highlights their outstanding potential for academic success.

For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.