Marist High School Principal Meg Dunneback recently announced that senior Kelly Hughes was elevated to a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in Evanston, Ill. She was first notified that Hughes was a Semifinalist in September 2021.
There are approximately 15,000 National Merit Finalists in the United States who emerge from a pool of nearly 1.6 million PSAT examinees. Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered this spring.
While at Marist, Hughes has been a member of the school math team, student council, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and student ambassadors. She is considering majoring in engineering. She has interest in Purdue University, Northwestern University, and Columbia University, among other schools.
“Marist has definitely helped prepare me academically, and they also helped teach me how to work hard for the goals I set for myself,” Hughes said. “I owe a lot to the teachers, staff, and students at Marist.”
As a junior, Kelly Hughes earned a top composite score of 36 on her ACT exam. More recently, Hughes was interviewed on Principal Dunneback’s new podcast series called, “Inside Marist.” If you missed this episode, take a listen now:
Additionally, Marist seniors Mark J. Viz, and Brae U. Sanchez were named National Merit Commended Students.
