On Sept. 12, three seniors were awarded the National Merit Scholarship: Isabella Nikolova, Carson Griffin and Audrey Thompson.

In order to qualify, students must first take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as a junior. 

“I had to do a lot of test preparation for this award, similar to the SAT or ACT,” Nikolova said.

As for Thompson, she mainly focused on looking over her Algebra 2 notes.

“I didn’t have to study as much, I just felt like I was good at taking the test,” Thompson said.

Reflecting on the award, the semifinalists share their emotions about their accomplishment.

“I think it’s great to be recognized alongside of some of my classmates and to represent Derby,” Griffin said.

“I felt like this was an award that really fit my strengths,” Nikolova said.