Three Ensworth Seniors Advance to National Merit Finalist Standing


Three Ensworth seniors have advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among the highest-achieving students in the country.

James Heinrichs, Hudson Honeybone, and Julia Grace Linn were first named Semifinalists this fall — a distinction awarded to approximately 16,000 students nationwide who ranked among the highest scorers out of more than 1.5 million students who took the Preliminary SAT.

To advance from Semifinalist to Finalist, students must submit a comprehensive scholarship application that includes academic records, leadership experience, school and community involvement, employment, and honors and awards. This rigorous process recognizes not only exceptional academic performance but also sustained achievement and character.

As Finalists, James, Hudson, and Julia Grace will now compete with other top students across the nation for approximately 6,900 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $26 million. More than half of all Finalists will earn the Merit Scholar title. Scholarship recipients for 2026 are expected to be announced beginning in April and continuing through July.

This achievement reflects a commitment to excellence. The Ensworth community congratulates these three seniors on this remarkable honor and looks forward to celebrating their continued success!