Two WC Students Receive National Merit Commendation
Congratulations to Natalie Ryan and Aaron Van Dop
Each fall, WC’s Juniors, along with 1.5 million of their peers across the US, take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) to prepare for college entrance exams. This standardized assessment is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Of the 1.5 million entrants, the top 50,000 students with the highest scores receive a Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Of WC’s graduating class of 2025, it was recently announced that two Warriors have been Commended for their academic achievement in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Natalie Ryan and Aaron Van Dop have been recognized for their academic ability and achievement.
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Natalie Ryan has been involved in Cross-Country and Track and Field for the past four years. For the past two years, she has served as House Leader in the House of Vita and has spent four years in the strings program. Natalie is also active in her church’s youth group. Congratulations on your Commendation, Natalie!
Aaron Van Dop has also been involved in the track and field program for the past four years and cross country for the past three years, serving as team captain in 2024. He is part of the strings program, including the Golden Strings ensemble, and has been a part of the NABT BioClub, Exercise Science Club, and Battle Over Books competition, where he serves as team captain. Aaron is active in his church’s youth group, serving as a student leader and prayer team member. Congratulations on your Commendation, Aaron!