Congratulations to Jordan Solomon ’26, Thu Tran ’26, and Christian Vanderbeck ’26, whose remarkable 2024 PSAT scores earned them recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program.  

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. High school students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting program entry and participation requirements.

During the October 13 Upper School Assembly in the Lora M. Robins Theatre, Jordan, Thu, and Christian were celebrated by teachers, classmates, and the College Counseling team. 

Director of College Counseling Heather Jeter told the audience, “Based on their performance on the fall 2024 PSAT, Thu and Christian each scored highly enough in the national pool of test takers to be awarded a distinction. Thu and Christian, we are so proud of you for being named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Your scores placed you in the top three percent of all test takers!”

She then presented Thu and Christian with commemorative certificates as the audience applauded.

Ms. Jeter continued and said, “Get ready … this is a big deal,” as she glanced at Jordan. “We are so proud of you. Your score on the 2024 PSAT placed you in the top one percent of all test takers!” As the audience (including Jordan’s dad and his mother, Middle School Theatre and Upper School Public Speaking Teacher Susan Sanford) erupted in applause, she continued: “You are currently in the running for being a finalist, which would make you a National Merit Scholar. Please accept this certificate in recognition of your spectacular achievement.” 

Steward’s mission to prepare students for college and for life is central to the College Counseling Office’s work, which includes providing opportunities at Steward to take the PSAT, SAT, Pre-ACT, and ACT. Academic achievement — one of our six core values — is fostered by a robust curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a culture of boundless creativity.