Drew Davison: National Merit Finalist

Legacy graduate Drew Davison (’21), recently named a National Merit Finalist, is now the recipient of the National Merit Principal Financial Group Scholarship.

With this award, Drew joins an elite group of students, as he is one of only 1,000 National Merit Finalists in the entire country to receive a corporatesponsored scholarship.

“I’m so grateful for the National Merit Principal Financial Group Scholarship,” says Drew. “It’s an honor I won’t take for granted. I wouldn’t have been in a position to receive a scholarship of this magnitude if not for my parents, and I thank them for all of their sacrifices.

“My LCA education has equipped me to succeed not only as a current high school student but also in my future endeavors. I’ve had the chance to blend subjects I’m passionate about with those that have challenged me. This mix has prepared me for college, as I’ve been able to focus my interests while also developing strong habits that will be necessary for my classes beyond Legacy.” Drew’s National Merit Finalist journey started when he was one of the 1.5 million students to take the 2019 PSAT. To advance to this point in the National Merit Scholarship Program, an outstanding academic record is of paramount importance. In addition, the process requires a detailed application in which participation in school and community activities, leadership

Drew (left) with his fellow NHS officers, Jonathan Darrell, Trenton Balcombe, and Adam Lisle

DREW DAVISON: NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST

abilities, and honors and awards are clearly demonstrated. For Drew, who has excelled both in and outside of the classroom, LCA’s tight-knit community and his personal connections with faculty have been key to his academic and personal growth.

Although Drew has been a fixture in leadership and student activities at LCA, it may be surprising that he came to Legacy only four years ago.

“When I chose to attend LCA going into my freshman year, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he says. “I was introduced to the school by a couple of childhood friends, and we made the decision to attend together. I was especially intrigued by the Christian-based education because I had attended public school my whole life. The ability to form stronger relationships with both classmates and teachers, because of smaller class sizes, really sealed the deal for me, and in my four years at Legacy, I’ve developed lifelong relationships.”

Drew’s teachers have high regard for his contributions and commitment to academic excellence. Kristin Stone, Drew’s dual-credit US history professor, says, “Drew wrote incredible papers and shined in group discussions, where he provided strong insights backed with solid evidence. As a result, he emerged as an educational leader among his peers.”

Also commenting on Drew’s leadership, Principal Kevin Mosley describes the young man as “dependable, impeccable, analytical, and team focused: Drew has consistently demonstrated these characteristics throughout his various leadership positions as an officer in the National Honor Society, as a member of the LEAD Legacy team, and in the Young Men’s Service League.”

Drew credits his teachers for his academic success. For example, he recalls laughing as Mr. Messer worked his incredible humor into his lessons. He remembers his business management class with Mr. Hamilton, where he was able to bring his hands-on experience to lectures and discussions. Mrs. Stone’s history class always kept his mind engaged. Making music in the band with Mr. Murphy ranks right up there, along with writing essays and reading literature with Ms. McKnelly and exploring his favorite subject, math, with Mrs. Rogers.

He also credits Mr. Littleton and his Apologetics class, and says he appreciates how well his teacher defended our faith, equipping him with all the arguments and logic that remind him how real our faith is.

Drew will attend Duke University and plans to major in finance.