Sage Ridge Students Named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists

Sage Ridge School is proud to announce that four members of the class of 2027 have been named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists: Wes Kennedy, Jade Sharma, Owen Heaphy, and Kat Illg. Congratulations on earning one of the most respected academic distinctions available to high school students in the United States.

These five students represent 30% of the senior class, an extraordinary achievement for any school and a reflection of the strength of our academic program. Nationally, only about one percent of the 1.4 million students who take the PSAT each year earn Semifinalist status. This places our students among the highest academic performers in the country.

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Semifinalists are selected based on PSAT performance, a strong academic record, and the qualities that define motivated and capable learners. Students now move forward in the competition by submitting academic records, recommendations, and a personal essay as part of the process to become National Merit Finalists.

Head of School Bill Delbrugge shared his pride with the community, noting that this accomplishment reflects far more than a test score. He emphasized that it represents years of hard work, intellectual curiosity, perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to learning. He reminded students that excellence is built one class, one assignment, one challenging problem, one book, one conversation, and one opportunity to learn at a time.

This achievement also reflects the Pillars that guide Sage Ridge. Scholarship is evident in the consistent effort these students have shown across years of challenging coursework. Integrity is reflected in the habits they have built and the responsibility they take for their learning. Courage appears in the way they embrace academic challenge and push themselves to grow. Community is seen in the teachers, families, and mentors who have supported them along the way. Respect is present in the way they approach their work and the example they set for younger students.

Bill highlighted how these values shape the culture of Sage Ridge. Our mission is to develop curious, confident citizens who embrace rigorous scholarship, act with integrity, demonstrate courage, and contribute to a compassionate community. Wes, Rowdy, Jade, Owen, and Kat exemplify these values. Their success shows what can happen when talented students combine their abilities with determination and a genuine love of learning.

We are proud of our Semifinalists for the example they set for younger learners and for the way they represent Sage Ridge. Their accomplishment is extraordinary, and we look forward to seeing where their courage, curiosity, and scholarship take them next.