Six Upper School Students Recognized by National Merit Program

Lake Ridge Academy has Upper School students recognized for their academic excellence by the National Merit Program. Four students were named National Merit Semifinalists and two students were named Commended Scholars.

The National Merit Scholarship program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarship funds that began in 1955. About 2 million juniors entered the program by taking the Preliminary SAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Some 50,000 entrants qualify for program recognition, and approximately 8,000 National Merit Scholarships are awarded nationally each year. Lake Ridge Academy Upper Schooler Seniors Finley Pasatta ‘23, Andrew Pavel ‘23, Mankeerat Rataul ’23, and Sereena Sperry ’23 were all named National Merit Semifinalists. They are in the running to be named finalists later in the year if they are selected. The Finalists are selected based on academic records, written essays, participation in school and community activities, evidence of leadership and any other honors or awards received.

Seniors Shelby Bennett ’23 and Sam Calcut ’23 were named a Commended Scholar. 34,000 of the 50,000 high scorers are named Commended Students, representing the top 5% of the nation’s top high school seniors.

Director of College Counseling Rhett Rybarczyk said “I'm thrilled to learn that six of our students in the Class of 2023 have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. This is a testament to the outstanding learning environment offered at Lake Ridge Academy and how it continues to advance our students each and every year.”