Individual paths that included hours of intense studying and years of classroom preparation, along with exceptional PSAT scores, are what earned 34 students in Knox County Schools recognition as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship.
“I am so thankful and proud to be a semifinalist,” said West High School’s Cooper Etheridge. “This is going to provide a huge opportunity for my future.”
An impressive feat for the high school seniors, as less than 1% of the nation’s graduating seniors will qualify. The accolade is based on PSAT test scores, so missing or not finishing the test isn’t an option for anyone hoping to earn the recognition – something that was very nearly a reality for one of the finalists.
“I actually got kicked out of the PSAT,” said Bearden High School’s Maya Hira. “I started the wrong section and told on myself, so they canceled my score!”
True determination meant she was eventually able to qualify with her SAT score – which she took while her family was on vacation. “It was so exciting to find out I made the list!”
Others were able to find a balance between academics and the social aspect of the high school experience.
“I fell into a routine to look over those tests and study resources on Fridays before going to football games,” said Farragut High School’s Michelle Lin. “I went to every single one! Then the next day I would do a practice test.” She credits her success to “really good consistency and mentorship throughout the years.”
Despite being vastly different in their interests, study habits, and plans, they all hope to attend some of the most prestigious colleges in the country.
Their list of dream schools included Princeton, Purdue, MIT, Oklahoma, Stanford, and Caltech–and they hope this award will help them get one step closer to a Freshman Orientation on these college campuses.
Those campuses would be lucky to have them; beyond their academic focus and gifts, they contribute to their schools through school clubs, sports, and volunteer opportunities.
“I really like tutoring people. I like helping people. Since I’m good at math, I like to use that skill to help other people,” said L&N STEM Academy’s Jared Mueller. “I think one of the most important qualities for people to have is compassion.”
These students are really something!
The full list of KCS National Merit Semifinalists is below.
| Bearden High School Maya Hira Alanie Keith Avigail Laing Nicholas McIntyre Harper Smith Farragut High School Karrie An Iris Chen Elaina Conger Grace Feng Audrey Fey Madeline Gao Caleb Han Jesse Hao George Hu Danial Khan Michelle Lin Elliot Mandl Vivaan Singhvi Reuben Soans Channing Tan Thomas Williamson Nicholas Yan Iris Ye | Hardin Valley Academy David Hart L&N STEM Academy Jared Mueller Hazel White Cooper Wirth West High School Bryden Asti Lucia Benedetto McNulty Charles Burke Hunter Dance Cooper Etheridge Duncan Gilpatric Cooper Ward |
National Merit Semifinalists from Bearden High. Pictured (left to right): Harper Smith, Nicholas McIntyre, Alanie Keith, Maya Hira, and Avigail Lane. 
National Merit Semifinalists from Farragut High School. Pictured: Michelle Lin. Not pictured: Karrie An, Iris Chen, Elaina Conger, Grace Feng, Audrey Fey, Madeline Gao, Caleb Han, Jesse Hao, George Hu, Danial Khan, Elliot Mandl, Vivaan Singhvi, Reuben Soans, Channing Tan, Thomas Williamson, Nicholas Yan, and Iris Ye. 
National Merit Semifinalist from Hardin Valley Academy. Pictured: David Hart. 
National Merit Semifinalists from L&N STEM Academy. Pictured (left to right): Cooper Wirth, Hazel White, and Jared Mueller. 
National Merit Semifinalists from West High School. Pictured (left to right): Bryden Asti, Cooper Etheridge, Charles Burke, Cooper Ward, Hunter Dance, and Duncan Gilpatric. Not pictured: Lucia Benedetto McNulty.