Deering High School is proud to announce that senior Ellis F. Wood has been named a Finalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Ellis is one of only three students from Deering High School to achieve this distinction, representing the top 1% of high school seniors in the United States.

To earn Finalist standing, Ellis maintained an academic record of consistently very high performance throughout grades 9–12 and met rigorous requirements regarding SAT or ACT confirmation scores. He will now move forward to compete for one of approximately 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, with winners to be announced beginning in March 2026.

A Career of Academic Excellence & Leadership

In addition to his National Merit recognition, Ellis Wood has been a highly active student leader, excelling in STEM, athletics, and community service:

Athletic Prowess: Distance Running: Ellis is one of the premier distance runners in the state of Maine. He has officially committed to run for Tufts University (NCAA Division III) starting in the fall of 2026. His athletic resume includes being the 2025 Class A State Runner-Up in Cross Country and a State Champion in both the Indoor 2-mile and Outdoor 3200m. He recently set a state-leading mark in the 2-mile at the 2026 National Indoor Championship.

STEM & Science Olympiad Success: Ellis has been a key competitor for Deering’s Science Olympiad team. At the 2025 State Science Olympiad Tournament, he earned Gold Medals in both Helicopter and Wind Power, as well as a Silver Medal in Optics.

National Honor Society: In May 2025, Ellis was recognized as a Junior Achiever and inducted into the William E. Wing Chapter of the NHS, honoring his commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Speech and Debate: Ellis has shown strong leadership in the "Ram Debaters" program, including a 4th-place finish in Congress at the Maine State Speech and Debate Championships.

Arts and Service: Ellis is an active member of the Deering Players drama department, performing in the award-winning production of Elephant’s Graveyard. He also demonstrated his commitment to the community by organizing a successful Red Cross blood drive at Deering and participating in Model UN and Key Club.

The Deering community congratulates Ellis on this prestigious honor and wishes him the best of luck in the final round of the scholarship competition!