6 USN students named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to Cleo Gauthier '24, Emily Law '24, Natalie Mallal '24, Isaac Spiller '24, Katherine Vaughn '24, and Kailyn Womer '24.
 
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, among them six University School of Nashville students.

Director Amani Reed, Head of High School Quinton P. Walker, and Director of College Counseling Aaron Fulk recognized Cleo Gauthier '24, Emily Law '24, Natalie Mallal '24, Isaac Spiller '24, Katherine Vaughn '24, and Kailyn Womer '24 during lunch on Tuesday, September 12 for their 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test scores. They represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are among the highest-scoring PSAT entrants in Tennessee.

These students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,140 National Merit Scholarships, which will be awarded in spring 2024. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application and essay, in which they provide information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record.

NMSC is a nonprofit organization established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC and by approximately 340 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. It has yet to announce Commended students.
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67

    Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.
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  • 5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists

    The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.
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  • USN parents peruse rows of pre-loved books during Fall Book Frenzy 2024 in Cheek Gym. The used book and media sale benefits USN's Hassenfeld Library and provides funding for visiting authors.

    Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy

    Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.
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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.