Harpeth Hall’s four 2024 National Merit Semifinalists reflect on their academic foundation

Four Harpeth Hall seniors have earned the distinction of 2024 National Merit Semifinalists, a recognition that honors their academic achievements.

These students, among the top 1% of high school students nationwide, represent Harpeth Hall’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.

With their diverse interests and goals — ranging from biomedical engineering to international relations — these National Merit Semifinalists exemplify Harpeth Hall’s academic spirit. Each student credits the school’s challenging curriculum and supportive community with preparing them to succeed in college and beyond.

“Harpeth Hall is a really academically rigorous environment,” Katherine Thomas said. “… National Merit [recognition] is a reminder that I am more capable than I think I am and that Harpeth Hall's challenging curriculum pays off.”

The road to National Merit semifinalist recognition begins during a student’s junior year when she takes the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The exam measures a student’s critical reading ability, mathematical problem-solving skills, and writing competency.

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 school officials. They must also submit a scholarship application to highlight their academic record, participation in school and community activities, and demonstrated leadership abilities.

“To me, being a National Merit Semifinalist means that I can be more confident in myself moving forward,” Ariadne Vidalakis said, “because I now have evidence that I have a solid academic foundation for my future studies.”

This recognition is not only a validation of academic success but also a testament to the opportunities Harpeth Hall provides for its students.

A Winterim internship at the Duvall Biomedical Engineering Lab at Vanderbilt helped Ariadne learn more about the shortage of research on mental health medications. She hopes to combine her interest in biology and neuroscience with her engineering skills to work in mental health drug development and delivery.

Cailin Rork is passionate about French, history, and global discussion and hopes to study international relations. For Katherine, history has always been her favorite area of study because she loves to read and learn about the world around her, but that is not her only passion — she also loves violin performance and hopes to join string ensemble in college.

And Harpeth Hall’s Honors STEM Research program has allowed Lily Bowen to develop real-world skills that support her interest in the intersection of math and social justice. She hopes to use the science of statistics to pursue data analytics and effect change.

From advanced coursework to individualized support, Harpeth Hall faculty also play a pivotal role in helping students reach their potential, and the girls credit the achievement to the high-quality education, guidance, and support they received in their years at Harpeth Hall.

“My teachers at Harpeth Hall have been pivotal in my academic journey,” Lily said. “From assisting me where I need help to pushing me where I need an extra challenge, they have supported and stretched my learning in all the right ways. I truly would not be the student I am without them.”

2024 National Merit Semifinalist Honorees
Lily Bowen
Cailin Rork
Katherine Thomas
Ariadne Vidalakis