The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.6 million high school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test during the fall of their eleventh grade year. For the third year in a row, Louisville Collegiate School has the largest number of National Merit Semifinalists among all independent schools in Kentucky! Collegiate is also proud to announce that Ellie Prince, Class of 2017, was recently announced as one of the 2,500 recipients of last year’s National Merit Scholarship. Ellie is one of only 34 National Merit Scholarship winners from Kentucky and the only recipient of the scholarship from the state’s independent schools.

Harrison Stites ‘18, Jacquelyn Kim ‘18, Sophie Call ‘18, Tuan Nguyen ‘18, Rushil Shah ’18

This year’s Semifinalists shared their thoughts on what the recognition means to them as they look ahead to their senior years, college, and beyond:

Sophie Call ‘18 – Being named a Semifinalist has been a humbling experience. More than anything, I see this honor as a reflection of my teachers’ genuine desire for me to learn and succeed. I’m so grateful for them and for everyone who has supported me, pushed me, and inspired me throughout my high school learning experience. I’m beyond excited to attend a college where the atmosphere of academic rigor is comparable to that of Collegiate’s.

Jacquelyn Kim ‘18 – As I reflect on my educational journey, I see this selection as a recognition of me and my teachers’ dedication. As I prepare to go off to college, this is a reminder that I should always strive for my best, and I hope this also becomes an opportunity for colleges to get a glimpse of the product of me and my gracious support system’s hard work.

Tuan Nguyen ‘18 – Being recognized for any sort of achievement is cool, and I feel lucky to be in an environment where these sorts of things are possible. I hope I can take advantage of any opportunities this may help open up down the road.

Rashil Shah ‘18 – I am humbled and excited to be named a National Merit Semifinalist. I want to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to attend Collegiate and I want to thank my teachers who have challenged me and supported me during my time at Collegiate.

Harrison Stites ‘18 – I am honored to be recognized as a Semifinalist. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this incredible community that has challenged me to always be my best. Thank you to all my teachers and classmates who have supported me since I joined the Collegiate community.

Release and Photo Courtesy of Louisville Collegiate School