Bethlehem Central High School student Keiran McNay has been named a 2026 National Merit Scholar. He is one of only 2,500 students nationwide to win the prestigious scholarship, and one of only three students in the Capital Region. 

The senior will receive $2,500 from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to help defray the cost of his college tuition.

McNay will attend The University of Chicago in the fall, where he plans to double major in molecular engineering and economics, or pursue a possible pre-law track.

National Merit Scholars are selected based on their academic record, standardized test scores, potential for success in college and their contributions to their school community.

McNay has been active in music art, athletics and in club leadership roles. He is the president of the Speech and Debate team and has been ranked nationally in competition. He has served as secretary of the BCHS club Students for Peace and Survival, helping to raise several thousand dollars to address food insecurity. McNay plays cello in the orchestra as a section and quartet leader, runs cross country and indoor track, and has been a member of the tennis team since eighth grade. 

He plans to continue playing cello in college and hopes to join the UChicago debate team.

Asked what he will miss most about BC, McNay responded, “Definitely the tight community. It’s always so clear that everyone at BC wants you to succeed, and it has made a profound impact on my academic journey. 

“Oh, and also the coffee. That stuff is fire,” said McNay.

Congratulations, Keiran!