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VCS Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

September 22, 2020

 

Vermont Commons School seniors Sophie Dodds (left) of Burlington, VT and Benjamin Poulin (right) of Shelburne, VT, have been recognized as semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. Vermont Commons is one of only 16 schools in the state to have students recognized as semifinalists.

Over 1.5 million juniors in nearly 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). From that number, 16,000 students, approximately one percent of the total, are named as semifinalists. About 15,000 of those students are expected to advance to the finalist level. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.

Head of School Dexter Mahaffey said:  “We are so proud of Sophie and Ben. These accolades highlight not only these two remarkable students, but also our talented faculty at Vermont Commons where scholarship and creativity are encouraged at all levels”.

Scholarship. Community. Global Responsibility.

Students emerge from their time at Vermont Commons School intrinsically motivated to seek out their role for improving the world, with the skills and competencies to do so.