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.
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.
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.
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 Scholars
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.
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 Scholars
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.
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 Scholars
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 Scholars
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 Scholars
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 Scholars
Middle School: Lakewood Catholic Academy
Megan Sandy ’26
Commended Scholars
Middle School: Holy Trinity School
