News
Five Named Nat'l Merit Semifinalists
Five seniors have been announced as National Merit Semifinalists. GPS leads the area in the number who will move on in the scholarship competition.
GPS congratulates five seniors – Leah Baxter, Lori Baxter, Isabella Cornea, Rebecca Torrence, and Phoebe Warren – who have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists for 2016-17.
The girls placed in the top nationwide among 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools who entered the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT in their junior year.
GPS Head of School Dr. Autumn Graves introduced the seniors at a school assembly and said, “GPS is incredibly proud of these young women who have been recognized by the National Merit Program for their academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.” She noted that they represent less than one percent of the nation’s seniors.
“These five young women have excelled in all areas of a GPS education, in the fine arts, in athletics, and in leadership roles,” said Dr. Graves. “In partnership with their families, GPS has engaged their minds, cultivated their strengths, and nurtured their gifts.”
In addition to being scholars, the semifinalists include a senior class officer, the president of the Honor Council, athletes, members of the Model UN, and musicians in the Honors Orchestra.
They will continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $33 million offered in the spring of 2017. About 90% of National Merit Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing.
