USN applauds 15 seniors named National Merit Semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors students who through their PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. 
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Communications Director

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, among them 15 University School of Nashville students.

Director Amani Reed, Head of High School Quinton P. Walker, and Director of College Counseling Aaron Fulk recognized Owen Block, Jonathan Chung-Bruehl, Edward Crane, Geofrey Friedman, Abigail Green, Josh Jacobs, Luke Kim, Walker Lindsey, Riya Narayan, Auldyn Plant, Simon Rosenblum, Frederick Rudolph, Els Shepard, Ryleigh Thor, and Sheerea Yu after school on Thursday, September 9 for their 2021 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 college scholarships. 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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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.