S.P.A. Highlight: Celebrating Our National Merit Scholars

This week, we are proud to recognize our students who have earned distinction in the National Merit Scholarship Program, a nationally recognized academic competition that celebrates outstanding academic achievement and performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). These students were highlighted at our Monday Meeting, where our school community had the opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication.

Four Scottsdale Prep students earned National Merit Commended Student recognition, placing them among the top approximately 3–4% of students nationwide who took the exam. Congratulations to Andrew Connolly, Lucy Hill, Adison Leeuwner, and Sitara Thulasidas on this impressive accomplishment!

National Merit Semifinalists represent some of the highest-scoring students in each state, comprising less than 1% of the nation’s graduating high school seniors. This prestigious recognition provides students with the opportunity to continue in the National Merit Scholarship competition. We are especially proud to recognize Nila Kumara as Scottsdale Prep’s National Merit Semifinalist. Nila will now complete the National Merit Scholarship Program’s application process to be considered for National Merit Finalist designation. Finalists are selected based on additional academic and application requirements, marking an important next step in the competition.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, Scottsdale Prep students are also preparing to demonstrate their own academic growth and potential. Sophomores and Juniors are taking the PSAT this week, an important opportunity to practice their testing skills and, for eligible juniors, potentially qualify for future recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Please join us in congratulating Nila, Andrew, Lucy, Adison, and Sitara on their outstanding achievements! We are proud to celebrate their hard work and look forward to recognizing the continued accomplishments of our Scottsdale Prep students.

If you’d like to see more information about National Merit with other students in the Great Hearts network, find out more here.