Nationally Recognized Scholars

Three students from the Class of 2026 have been named National Merit Semifinalists and seven seniors have been named Commended Scholars.

National Merit Semifinalists

About 16,000 Semifinalists throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Abigail Campbell ’26

National Merit Semifinalist

Middle School: Holy Trinity School
Activities and Interests: At Saint Joseph Academy, Abigail is an Academy Ambassador, a member of  Academic Jaguars, the Health Science Honors Program and the Writing Center Consultant. Abigail also holds student leadership positions in the Health Professionals Affinity Community (HPAC),the Labre Student Ministry club, and Calliope.
Favorite School Subject: Math
Future Career Plans: Abigail plans to pursue Chemical Engineering in college.


Megan Fredrick ’26

National Merit Semifinalist

Middle School: Incarnate Word Academy
Activities and Interests: At Saint Joseph Academy, Megan is a member of the Global Scholars Program, Math Club and the Cross Country team. She is also an editor for Calliope.
Favorite School Subjects: History and Math
Future Career Plans: Megan is interested in studying Business/Finance.


Katherine Sandy ’26

National Merit Semifinalist

Middle School: Holy Trinity School
Activities and Interests: At Saint Joseph Academy, Katherine is an Academy Ambassador, a member of the Health Science Honors Program and co-captain of the Varsity Soccer team.
Favorite School Subject: Chemistry
Future Career Plans: Katherine plans to pursue a STEM major in college, possibly Biochemistry.


Commended Scholars

About 34,000 Commended Scholars  throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Jasmine Chen ’26

Commended Scholar

Middle School: Birchwood School of Hawken
Activities and Interests: At the Academy, Jasmine is an Academy Ambassador, a member of National Honor Society, the String Orchestra, Swim team, VEX Robotics team and a leadership team member of the Asian Culture Club. 
Favorite School Subject: Honors Introduction to Pre-Engineering
Future Career Plans: Jasmine is interested in Technology and Business as possible college majors.


Rachel Oldfield ’26

Commended Scholar

Middle School: Ruffing Montessori
Activities and Interests: At Saint Joseph Academy, Rachel is a member of Stage Crew, the VEX Robotics team, the Writing Center and a leadership team member for Film Club.
Favorite School Subject: Art
Future Career Plans: Rachel plans to major in engineering with a focus on entertainment and live performances such as theater productions and concerts.


Sophia Payamgis ’26

Commended Scholar

Middle School: Incarnate Word Academy
Activities and Interests: At the Academy, Sophia is the Editor-in-Chief of Calliope and a member of Stage Crew and the VEX Robotics team.
Favorite School Subject: English
Future Career Plans: Sophia plans to major in Engineering.


Madeline Roisman ’26

Commended Scholar

Middle School: Holy Trinity School
Activities and Interests: At Saint Joseph Academy, Madeline is an Academy Ambassador, a member of the Health Sciences Honors Program, National Honor Society, a peer tutor, co-editor of the Jaguar Beat and a member of the Tennis team.
Favorite School Subject: History
Future Career Plans: Madeline plans to major in History or Government and pursue a pre-law track.


Olivia Schaffner ’26

Commended Scholar

Middle School: St. Joseph Parish School
Activities and Interests: At Saint Joseph Academy, Olivia is an Academy Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, Writing Center Consultant, a yearbook editor, member of the Engineering & Design Honors Program, National Honor Society, and a leadership team member of Film Club. Olivia is also a Varsity Crew Coxswain.
Favorite School Subject: Engineering
Future Career Plans: Olivia plans to double major in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.


Clare Grady ’26

Commended Scholar

Middle School: Lee Burneson Middle School
Activities and Interests: At Saint Joseph Academy, Clare is a member of Crew and is a Yearbook Design Editor. She is also involved in the Labre Program and is a volunteer for Youth Challenge.
Favorite School Subject: Government
Future Career Plans: Clare plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and to row for the University's Crew program. She is considering a major in Political Science and/or Marketing.


Megan Sandy ’26

Commended Scholar

Middle School: Holy Trinity School

Governor’s Merit Scholarship (GMS)

We take immense pride in celebrating our 8 outstanding Seniors who have been awarded the prestigious Governor’s Merit Scholarship (GMS) in recognition of their exceptional academic achievements. This honor not only highlights their hard work and dedication but also provides them with renewable scholarships to pursue their higher education at esteemed colleges and universities across Ohio.

Abigail Campbell ’26

Middle School: Holy Trinity School

Jasmine Chen ’26

Middle School: Birchwood School of Hawken

Megan Fredrick ’26

Middle School: Incarnate Word Academy

Brigid Hyland ‘26

Middle School: St. Albert the Great at Assumption Academy

Sadie Nezovich ‘26

Middle School: Lakewood Catholic Academy  

Sophia Payamgis ’26

Middle School: Incarnate Word Academy

Katherine Sandy ’26

Middle School: Holy Trinity School

Olivia Schaffner ’26

Middle School: St. Joseph Parish School