Congratulations to our National Merit Commended Students

Two Avonworth High School students have been selected as 2026 Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program! Congratulations to Nathan Kline and Cole Purdy on this outstanding accomplishment!

Commended Students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry.

Students entered the National Merit Scholarship Program, a nationwide competition for recognition and awards conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The top 50,000 highest test scorers were identified. Of those, approximately 16,000 were designated as Semifinalists. The other 34,000 are Commended Students. Although Commended Students will not continue in the competition, they are being recognized and honored for their exceptional academic performance.

"Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. "These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."

Nathan Kline is the President of the Business Pathway at Avonworth High School. He is also involved with several activities including serving as President of the Chinese Club, Vice President of the Investment Club and a member of the Key Club, Ski Club and Math League. In addition, Nathan is captain of the boys soccer team and a member of the track team. After high school, Nathan plans to pursue higher education. He would like to study data science and/or business analytics. 

Cole Purdy is enrolled in the Public and International Relations Pathway at Avonworth High School. He is also involved in several activities including the Public and International Relations Pathway, the Latin Club, Student-Superintendent Advisory Board. In addition, he has volunteered extensively at the library. After high school, Cole plans to pursue higher education. Although he has not settled on a specific university, he would love to pursue a career related to history, linguistics, politics and geography.

Congratulations to Nathan and Cole! Great job!