Harpeth Hall celebrates six Class of 2027 National Merit Semifinalists, as the students recognize those who supported their academic pursuits

For senior Elizabeth Eyler and five of her Harpeth Hall classmates, the path to becoming National Merit scholars began in a quiet room, with a standardized test taken by more than a million high school students each year.

But Elizabeth knows the recognition is about much more than a single score or a single person.

She thinks of the teachers who arrived at school early each morning and helped her work through countless complicated problems with kindness and support. She thinks of her friends, an encouraging sisterhood always there with a needed laugh during a busy week and motivation when studying got hard. She thinks of her parents, who nourished her love of reading and math at an early age and always provided opportunities to challenge herself. She even thinks of her brother, a supportive sibling who was willing to join quiet study sessions when they were together before or after athletic practices.

“Without the supportive community of friends, family, and teachers, I would not have been able to become a National Merit Semifinalist,” Elizabeth said, and her classmates agree.

This fall, Elizabeth and classmates Emma Cropsey, Carlisle Gambill, Zoe Green, Sophie Hong, and Cora Meyer were named Class of 2027 National Merit Semifinalists, placing them among the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide. Additionally, Greta Haroldson, Reed Logan, Maggie Meacham, Sophie Steele, and Piper Thompson were named National Merit Commended Scholars, students among the top 3% to 4% of high school seniors nationwide.

What does it take to become a National Merit Semifinalist?

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes high school students across the United States based on their PSAT performance and other academic criteria. Now in its 71st year, the program honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential. For these Harpeth Hall seniors, the distinction recognizes years of academic work and also offers a moment to consider the people who were with them along the way. Behind every score is the story of a girl filled with curiosity and commitment to learning — and passionate educators who work as partners to create a vibrant academic environment at Harpeth Hall.

“This recognition reflects not only my growth as a student but also all of the support the incredible community at Harpeth Hall has provided for me throughout the years,” Zoe said. “My teachers at Harpeth Hall have given me incredible support throughout my academic career. With the kind and brilliant teachers I have had, I have always felt encouraged to pursue my passions and believe in myself, even when I have felt challenged.”

Sophie also sees the honor as a reminder of something she is still learning about herself. “Being a National Merit Semifinalist means to me that I am more capable than I believe,” she said.

As Harpeth Hall’s National Merit scholars focus on their senior year, they are also thinking about their futures. Nearly 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth over $33 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 these seniors, the recognition may open new opportunities. Yet the test captures only one measure of what they have learned — and only one moment in futures that are still unfolding.

Looking ahead to college, career, and building community

Sophie has found her interests in STEM, particularly engineering, where she sees an appealing intersection between different ways of thinking. “I enjoy how it combines creativity with logic,” she said. After graduation, she hopes to study electrical engineering in college and eventually pursue a master’s degree and research opportunities.

Zoe’s interests have taken her in another direction. During her junior Winterim, she interned at a local law office. The experience gave her an opportunity to see the legal profession firsthand — and to imagine herself in it. She now hopes to study political science or finance in college and potentially pursue a career in law.

Through experiences including Winterim and an exchange to Wiesbaden, Germany, Elizabeth has become increasingly interested in how mathematics can be applied to global issues. She is also curious about technology, particularly its ethics and global impact. No matter what direction her future takes, she feels prepared for “any opportunities or challenges I will face,” she said.

And more than that, she is ready to help those Harpeth Hall girls who will follow. Peer mentorship and community connection have always been important to her, and just as others devoted time and resources to her successes, she plans to do the same. “I hope that I am able to use my education to make a difference in the community,” she said, “and support other students on their academic journeys.”

Class of 2027 National Merit Semifinalists

• Emma Cropsey
• Elizabeth Eyler
• Carlisle Gambill
• Zoe Green
• Sophie Hong
• Cora Meyer

Class of 2027 National Merit Commended Scholars

• Greta Haroldson
• Reed Logan
• Maggie Meacham
• Sophie Steele
• Piper Thompson