Six Orchard Grads Earn High Honors from the National Merit® Scholarship Program
Each year most high school juniors and some sophomores take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This academic competition is a standardized test focused on mathematics and literacy to assess college and career preparedness. The test is sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit® Scholarship Program.
Out of 1.5 million PSAT/NMSQT entries, roughly 50,000 students qualify for Program Recognition. About 34,000 from that pool are recognized as Commended Scholars and 19,000, the highest scoring entrants in each state, are named National Merit Semifinalists.
The Orchard School is thrilled to recognize six Class of 2017 graduates who earned acclaim beyond Program Recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Congratulations to Eli Franklin, Robert Housman, Benjamin Merisotis, and Jillian Nanagas for earning Commended Scholars awards. Benjamin Posey and Sophia Hwang reached Semifinalist status and will find out in early February if they’ve advanced to the Finalist stage. Congratulations to all Orchard students who were recognized, and Orchard is rooting for you, Benji and Sophia!
These six Owls are a testament to Orchard’s progressive teaching methods that not only prepare students for success in high school but also throughout the rest of their lives.
Current School:
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Current School:
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
*this story will be featured in Orchard's 2020 Almanac*
(L to R):
Eli Franklin
Benjamin Posey *Semifinalist
Orchard’s Impact on Me:
Orchard always challenged me to be more inquisitive into the world around me, allowing me to grow that part of me, as well as instilling within me a sense of community that allowed me to connect more with peers and friends. I feel that Orchard allowed me to truly love the idea of learning more and the search for knowledge.
My Fond Memory:
Playing board games with my friends and teachers after school on Fridays.
Current School:
Park Tudor School
Sophia Hwang *Semifinalist
Orchard’s Impact on Me:
Orchard taught me how to approach challenges in creative, versatile ways. Learning to think outside of the box and be flexible has been incredibly helpful in all aspects of my life, especially when it comes to problem solving.
My Fond Memory:
The lock-in at the end of eighth grade.
Current School:
University High School
Jillian Nanagas
Orchard’s Impact on Me:
I believe Orchard helped me succeed by emphasizing the importance of the whole self. Not only was I taught math and English, but I was also taught to be kind, motivated, and open to growth.
My Fond Memory:
The eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. I enjoyed spending time with my friends, and I also liked visiting the monuments. My other favorite memory was Field Day, where we spent the entire day playing outside and eating ice cream. In sixth grade, my all-girls advisory won the tug of war contest (go Becky Burton’s advisory!).
Current School:
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Robert Housman
Orchard’s Impact on Me:
I think the best thing Orchard did for me was to create an environment with teachers and students that I enjoyed being around and trusted. It made going to school much more enjoyable and gave me a positive outlook on school, which set me up well for high school.
My Fond Memory:
Either roller skating or the class trips in Middle School. Both were very fun, and I have so many memories that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.
Current School:
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Eli Franklin
Orchard’s Impact on Me:
Orchard helped me to succeed by providing me with the tools and resources I needed to grow into my passions. My teachers were passionate about what they taught, and they cared for me beyond the classroom. Orchard facilitated a loving and caring community that allowed me to feel comfortable sharing my opinions and thoughts with my peers and teachers. The most amazing thing about Orchard, though, is its commitment to students spending time in nature, developing my love for spending time in nature and my commitment to sustainability today.
My Fond Memory:
One of my favorite traditions at Orchard was Winter Pageant, and all of the associated festivities and fun. Winter Pageants always seemed magical, and it was an exciting send off for winter break.
Current School:
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Benjamin Merisotis
Orchard’s Impact on Me:
Orchard has helped me succeed by teaching me to be in control of my own learning. The teachers really pushed the idea that everyone learns in a different way, and that is something I’ve carried with me since graduation.
My Fond Memory:
Definitely collecting maple syrup. It’s something every Orchard kid remembers distinctly, and it was something I looked forward to every year. I still try to make it to the pancake breakfast every year with my sister Elizabeth ’22.
Current School:
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
*this story will be featured in Orchard's 2020 Almanac*
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