From boundless curiosity to achievement, Harpeth Hall students earn National Merit distinction

The path to becoming a National Merit scholar begins in a quiet classroom — a single standardized test taken by more than a million high school students each year. For 15 Harpeth Hall seniors, that test led to national recognition and an achievement worth celebrating.

Eight Harpeth Hall students were named National Merit Semifinalists this fall, placing them among the top 1% of high school seniors across the country. Another seven have been recognized as commended scholars, an honor for students whose scores place them in the top 3% to 4% percent nationally. 

For senior Charlotte Mikos, earning a semifinalist distinction feels like being part of a school tradition.

“Being a National Merit Semifinalist is, first and foremost, such an honor,” Charlotte said. “To be able to add my name to the already large and growing list of Harpeth Hall students who have earned this award is super cool, and having the same honor that so many girls that I look up to have received is amazing.”

The National Merit scholarship program, now in its 70th year, honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential. Behind every score is the story of a girl filled with curiosity and commitment to learning — and passionate teachers and classmates who work as partners to create a vibrant academic environment at Harpeth Hall.

“At Harpeth Hall, learning is far from passive,” said semifinalist honoree Lily Hare, who is currently pursuing a Global Scholars capstone project that examines the privatization of the space tech industry. “We are consistently engaged and challenged by our teachers who prioritize our individual goals. Simply by showing up to class, we are equipped with the intellectual tools to navigate a wide range of problems that can extend beyond the classroom.”

And, she added, “The spirit of friendship is truly instrumental in promoting academic success. If not for the countless peer study sessions and the culture of cooperation at Harpeth Hall, I would not be nearly as confident in my ability to think critically.”

For semifinalist Iris Cotoman, the recognition ties back to both her love of science and the people who have nurtured that passion since childhood. Her mom, she said, has always been her biggest supporter, from taking her to book readings at Barnes & Noble when she was young to helping her study flashcards for AP tests. That support has inspired her to pursue a career as a doctor, “someone kind who helps others,” she said.

As Harpeth Hall’s National Merit scholars focus on their senior year, they are also thinking about their futures. More than 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth over $30 million will be awarded next spring. To advance as a National Merit finalist and be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record and receive recommendation letters from their school. They must also submit a scholarship application that highlights participation in school and community activities and demonstrated leadership abilities.

For some students, the recognition also opens the doors to new opportunities. 

“I am honored to be a National Merit Semifinalist, as the distinction will provide me with financial opportunities to support my academic pursuits,” said Noah Slobey, who is drawn to the innovative nature of engineering and plans to study mechanical engineering and work in the entertainment production industry. “Harpeth Hall has given me chances to explore engineering through Winterim internships and classes, and I’m excited to continue pursuing the subject.”

Even with the honor, Charlotte said it is important to recognize that classmates who didn’t receive this recognition are brilliant in their own ways. The test is just one of many ways Harpeth Hall girls show their talents and skills. 

And, the future is filled with possibilities for all Harpeth Hall girls — even beyond academics. 

Charlotte, for example, loves biology: “It's fascinating to me how things as small as molecules can have such a massive impact on life as it exists.” In college, she plans to pursue a double major in microbiology or public health and psychology. She may one day become a doctor, a scientific researcher, or work for the National Institutes of Health. 

But, for now, she is still exploring and keeping space for joy and adventure, too.

“Really, all I know about my future is, drumroll please, I really want to be on the TV show Survivor,” she said.

One thing is certain about Harpeth Hall students — if they can dream, they can be it.

National Merit Semifinalists

Iris Cotoman
Zoe Eveland
Lillian Hare
Kelty Jones
Charlotte Mikos
Noah Slobey
Harper Thompson
Mary Braden Weber

Commended Scholars

Narcissa Broome
Kaki Gooch
Hanna Jung
Lulu Kohler
Neko Mannes
Allyson Mao
Evelyn McKnight