7 seniors named National Merit Semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. and USN applaud Daniel Borza, Lauren French, Erica Friedman, Esha Karam, Ethan Li, Neha Saggi, and Sheeline Yu of the Class of 2021 for their high PSAT scores.
Seven University School of Nashville seniors are among the Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
 
Daniel Borza, Lauren French, Erica Friedman, Esha Karam, Ethan Li, Neha Saggi, and Sheeline Yu were selected from the pool of students who took the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. As Semifinalists, they represent less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors and are among the highest-scoring entrants in Tennessee. Director Vince Durnan, Head of High School Quinton Walker, and College Counseling Director Janet Schnieder congratulated them Thursday, September 10 during a socially-distant announcement on the Edgehill lawn.
 
These academically talented students have an opportunity to submit detailed applications with their academic record and community activities along with an essay and recommendation letter to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships awarded in the spring. Merit Scholar designees are chosen from the finalist group based on scores, as well as an application in which they write about themselves to demonstrate skills and accomplishments. 
 
The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is a nonprofit organization providing scholarships underwritten by funds from the nonprofit, businesses, and higher education institutions that share its 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.
    Read More
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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.