DAVIDSON, N.C. – Last October, about 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools took the 2015 PSAT, which served as the initial screening for the National Merit Scholarship program. The nationwide pool of National Merit Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.

Among students earning the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist is Woodlawn School senior Claire Stutzman. Daughter of Woodlawn faculty member, Bryan Stutzman, Claire is a recent addition to the Trailblazers, joining Woodlawn ahead of her junior year. Already a lifelong Girl Scout, Claire quickly seized new opportunities available to her at Woodlawn. Claire is a three-sport athlete, yearbook photo editor, and was co-producer of last year’s student play, Upstaged. She appreciates Woodlawn’s opportunities for open class discussion and the close relationships students forge with their teachers. Claire describes herself as driven, and her challenging class schedule supports that claim. Her current course load includes AP Calculus, AP Spanish Language, AP English Literature, AP Chemistry, AP US History, and Sociology.

Next steps for Claire include completing a formal application with an essay helping the selection committee learn more about her. Additionally, Woodlawn School’s Director of College Counseling, Haniya Mee, will write a recommendation for Claire and she will take the SAT once more.

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Woodlawn is an independent school founded in 2002 and located just north of Davidson, North Carolina. Enrolling students in grades K through 12, Woodlawn is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and offers a challenging, project-based academic experience.