(SPS) — Sapulpa High School senior Noah McCaskey has been named a finalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition, an honor earned by less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
McCaskey is among approximately 15,000 finalists selected nationwide from more than 1.3 million students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Finalists advance based on top scores in their state and must meet additional requirements, including submitting a detailed scholarship application and essay, earning confirming SAT or ACT scores, and receiving a recommendation from a high school official.
McCaskey plans to pursue aerospace engineering at the university level and has applied to Stanford and the University of Michigan. He has already been admitted to Oklahoma State University, which has connections to NASA and aerospace industry leaders.
“I have essentially decided that no matter where I end up studying, or which degree I get, I would like to go into the aerospace field,” said McCaskey. “I should be able to bring either an aerospace engineering or a nuclear engineering degree into the spacecraft line of work, so no matter where I go for school, I have my goal.”
He says he is fascinated by NASA and the space program.
“I have always been really into Sci-Fi and space exploration,” said McCaskey. “I would love to help bring humanity to the stars. It’s a bit corny, but it’s truly something I aspire toward. And who wouldn’t want to call themselves a rocket scientist?”
McCaskey credits Sapulpa Public Schools for preparing him academically and personally for his future.
“The most beneficial skill that I have learned in school is writing. The ability to effectively communicate your accomplishments is just as important as the accomplishments,” said McCaskey. “I also have gotten better at public speaking through presenting the eSports program at assemblies and throughout school. Being able to speak confidently has been an essential skill for presenting my projects in my engineering class at Central Tech.”
McCaskey takes rigorous academic courses and engineering technology classes through TCC and Central Tech, where he is already earning college credit. A founding member of the Sapulpa High School eSports team, he works alongside eSports coaches to help organize tournaments and support the growing program.
“Helping organize the team, our transportation, and relocation with the high school construction, has taught me a lot about what it takes to lead,” said McCaskey. “I thank my coaches, Coach Colin McElyea and Coach Hector Garcia, for being good examples.”
McCaskey is grateful for the caring teachers he’s had at Sapulpa Public Schools.
“If I ever struggled on an assignment, missed a due date, or was absent for a lecture, my teachers have always been willing to take their own personal time during and after school to make sure I and other students succeed,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement of all my teachers and give a big thanks to every teacher I have had.”
SPS Superintendent Rob Armstrong said the district is proud of McCaskey’s achievement and the dedication he has shown throughout his academic career.
“We are incredibly proud of Noah and the hard work, leadership, and vision he has demonstrated during his time at Sapulpa High School,” the superintendent said. “Being named a National Merit finalist is an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of his commitment to excellence.”
McCaskey will graduate from Sapulpa High School in May. He is the son of Jered and Jessica McCaskey and will continue in the competition for $26 million in National Merit Scholarships to be announced between April and July.
