National Merit and College Board Recognize 30 St. Mary's Students

This year, St. Mary’s is proudly home to 12 National Merit-recognized students and 28 College Board award recipients. 

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has named five members of the Class of 2026 as National Merit Semifinalists and seven members of the Class of 2026 as National Merit Commended Scholars. In addition to these accolades, the College Board honored 28 St. Mary’s seniors as part of their National Recognition Program. 

View a list of recipients below, along with more information about each award program. 

National Merit Semifinalists

Five St. Mary’s seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists. Students who score in the top 1% of test takers across the nation receive National Merit Semifinalist status. 

Molly Kirshbaum ’26
Lucy Roberts ’26
Elizabeth Scott ’26
Leighton Visinsky ’26
Katherine Williams ’26

The NMSC uses the PSAT as an indicator of exceptional skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Becoming a National Merit-recognized student opens transformative doors. Students who achieve this honor are eligible for National Merit scholarships, as well as opportunities and recognition from colleges and universities. 

National Merit Commended Scholars

The NMSC acknowledged seven St. Mary’s seniors as Commended Scholars, representing St. Mary’s in national academic recognition.

Stephanie Chen ’26
Quinn Ferebee ’26
Megan Gulla ’26
Charlotte Hernández ’26
Celine Kim ’26
Ellie Midha ’26
Florence Yu ’26

The NMSC recognizes Commended Scholars as students who achieve a score in the top 3-4% of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers. Distinctions from the NMSC provide a benchmark for academic excellence nationwide. Earning the distinction of Commended Scholar or Semifinalist indicates top academic performance. Colleges and universities universally recognize National Merit honors as differentiators, and remarkable success on the PSAT can indicate future performance on college entrance exams. 

College Board National Recognition Program Awards

A distinguished group of 28 St. Mary’s seniors received the School Recognition Award, and among them, two students were additionally honored with the First Generation Award, both part of the College Board’s National Recognition Program.

School Recognition Award

Maddie Barden ’26
Ivy Carls ’26
Cat Carney ’26
Eleanor Chandler ’26
Stephanie Chen ’26
Ava Cohen ’26
Cat Coryat ’26
Sadie Dattel ’26
Eva Ferdinand ’26
Quinn Ferebee ’26
Allan Golden ’26
Megan Gulla ’26
Addie Hook ’26
Casey Jang ’26
Celine Kim ’26
Molly Kirshbaum ’26
Ellie Midha ’26
Jocelyn Oropeza ’26
Lucy Roberts ’26
Elizabeth Scott ’26
Amelia Simpson ’26
Maggie Taylor ’26
Emma Thompson ’26
Marin Thompson ’26
Ella Townsend ’26
Leighton Visinsky ’26
Alana Wade ’26
Florence Yu ’26

First-Generation Recognition Award

Celine Kim ’26
Jocelyn Oropeza ’26

To qualify for these awards, students must either score in the top 10% of their high school’s PSAT/NMSQT or earn a 3 or higher on two or more AP exams, along with a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher. 

The School Recognition Award, a new program this year, celebrates academic excellence. The First Generation Award champions students who are opening new doors for their families through their academic achievement.

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Congratulations to this remarkable group of 30 St. Mary’s girls! Their success reflects their dedication to their studies and the opportunities they have pursued, and we are proud to empower them to reach their full potential. 

To view images from all award recognition Chapels, click the link below. 

Semifinalist, Commended Scholar, and National Recognition Program Pictures