On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the Semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. In our school’s first year of eligibility, we are pleased to share that two BASIS Independent Manhattan seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists. These students have been with our school since the beginning, starting in 6th grade. Throughout their time here, they have consistently excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, and community service.

Among the16,000 Semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, we are pleased to recognize our honored students at BASIS Independent Manhattan: Scarlett S. (Class of ’24) and Zachary S. (Class of ’24).

“Watching the students go through the full academic experience at BASIS Independent Manhattan and starting to receive these awards and honors feels gratifying and motivating. Proper recognition is finally coming our way, marking the beginning of an incredibly strong future for our school,” said LaNette Hodge, Head of School at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

Zach and Scarlett at an awards ceremony during their grade 6 year at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

When asked about this achievement, Scarlett commented, “It feels really great to be honored for all of the hard work I have put into my studies.” She has always been a student who goes above and beyond, which is something our community witnessed just last year when Scarlett placed second in the BASIS Means Business competition as the only all-female, one-person team.

Ms. Williams (Subject Expert Teacher, Latin) said, “I have had the pleasure of teaching Zach Latin for the past six years. He is a student who — once exposed to a new topic — will dive into it whole-heartedly by not only participating in all class activities but also researching deeply. I am astounded at his academic ability and brilliant thought processes which enable him to make connections far beyond the classroom.”

These two Wildcats consistently impress their peers and teachers with their diligence and dedication. In addition to this recognition, both Scarlett and Zach have been awarded as AP Scholars with Distinction.

More about the National Merit Scholarship Program: High school juniors entered the 2024 program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The scholarship winners will be selected from a group of Finalists between April and July 2024.

Please join us in congratulating our incredible Wildcats!