The National Merit Nine 

Of the 1.6 million juniors who take the PSAT each year, only one percent will qualify as National Merit Semifinalists. The numbers make it look like a long shot, but for nine Crossings Christian School (CCS) students, it was the next achievement in an altogether illustrious academic career. 

Not only did each of the nine seniors qualify as semifinalists, they were all selected as National Merit Finalists. The implications of this accomplishment are incredible, earning the students full-ride scholarships to 27 colleges, including The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa, and Oklahoma Christian University. 

The National Merit Scholars from the CCS senior class are pictured above, from left to right: Will Sutton, Brandon Daniel, Jake Williams, Dennis Daniel, Allison Hickey, Braden Asbury, Shawn Bebee, Ben Power, Nate Rouse. CCS Director of College and Academic Counseling, Keri Shields, offered insight into the shared characteristics that set these students up for success.

“National Merit Scholars have to be academically gifted but are also intentional students,” she said. “They understand that high effort yields high rewards. Interestingly, our National Merit recipients are also actively involved in either athletics, fine arts, or both.”

Keri was right. The multitasking amongst this group of students is vast. While talking with the students, their lists of extracurricular activities quickly added up: jazz band, National Honor Society, Academic Team, football, class chaplain, cross country, the school’s mental health awareness group, and more. When it comes to future plans, engineering emerged as the most popular path to pursue, with many already settled on a college and degree program. 

“My parents are really happy I’m going to Tulsa for free,” joked Will, one of the nine finalists. While many of the students said this accomplishment was a byproduct of their other academic achievements, Allison said for her, it was a specific goal. “I am grateful for the teachers who have pushed me to reach past my limits and achieve my full potential,” she said. 

Many students listed curiosity and a love for learning as contributing qualities to their success. “A big part of it was just a curiosity to learn, taking advanced classes whenever you have the chance, and having great teachers who make the process fun,” Will said. Others, like Brandon, recommended practical steps like SAT and PSAT prep courses to students hoping to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. 

A common thread is the learning environment CCS creates for many students throughout their school years. “The outcome of nine National Merit Finalists in this year’s graduating class at Crossings Christian School is not the result of an intense effort over a year or even a handful of years,” said Head of School, Dr. Jason Nave. 

“It is the culmination of an extended, well-developed process of curriculum design, informal and formal assessment, best teaching practices, strong study habits, invested students and parents, a supportive and encouraging student body, and dedicated teachers who have consistently delivered the mission of our school. We are exceptionally proud of these students and their accomplishments. It takes years and years to arrive at this level of achievement.”

Though no one knows exactly what the future will hold for these students, Keri put it best. “Understanding that less than 1% achieve this feat should help them realize that there are no limits to what they can achieve.”