National Academic Honors

Four Father Ryan Students Receive 2024 National Merit Recognition

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced four Father Ryan Seniors received national recognition based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Every day, we ground ourselves in Father Ryan’s mission to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential. The accomplishment of these students is one of the many examples of this mission coming to life. We are thankful to have these students as members of the Father Ryan community and to witness them using their God-given talents to the fullest.

President Paul Davis '81

National Merit Finalist

Finn Saivar '25

Finn Saivar '25

Finn is taking four AP courses as a Senior and has completed three additional AP courses since coming to Father Ryan from Loyola High School in California as a Sophomore. He is a member of Trinity House, plays on the Football Team, is a Peer Mentor, and is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and Model UN. Additionally, he serves as a Student Ambassador and as a Minister of Holy Communion.

National Merit Commended Scholars

Ethan Baker '25

Ethan Baker '25

Jack Keenan '25

Jack Keenan '25

Ellie Maxwell '25

Ellie Maxwell '25

An alumna and parishioner of St. Henry School and Church and a member of Immaculata House, Ellie is taking three AP courses as a Senior and completed three additional AP courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. In addition, she is active in the Respect Life Club, serves on the Student Ministry Team, and plays on the Volleyball Team.

To be recognized by this respected national organization is a testament to the dedication and talent of these four students and to the work of their teachers and families. Only a small percentage of students nationwide are recognized by National Merit each year, further evidence of the academic strength of Father Ryan. We are proud of these students for these achievements, and we are even prouder of the character they exhibit every day. Principal Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr.

About the National Merit Scholarship Corporation

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) – a test which serves as an initial screen of more than 1.6 million entrants each year – and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

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