Poised for Success

(Top) The AP Art History class had a Day at the Parthenon to learn more about Ancient Greek culture while studying Ancient Greek Art.

(Bottom) Model UN Outstanding Delegates: Lilly Faye Kraemer ’24, Hailey Wondem ’24 and Mia Smitherman ’22

2021-22 National Merit Winners display an array of talents

St. Cecilia student ambassadors often tell prospective students, “At SCA it is cool to be smart.” Not only is it cool to be smart, but the intelligence of the ladies of St. Cecilia expresses itself through a diverse array of talents and interests. This year’s three National Merit Finalists and one Commended Student beautifully illustrate this fact.

National Merit Finalist ELLIE RODGERS has been interested in math since she set foot in an Algebra II Honors class as a freshman. She has also been drawn to robotics and has been a member of the Lady Bots championship robotics team all four years. Ellie especially likes the coding aspect of robotics, so much so that she completed a summer internship at Vanderbilt in computer science and coding. Her penchant for problemsolving made her a leader on the robotics team as well as president of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Ellie will continue her education at Dartmouth College next year, where she plans to study neuroscience and math. especially appreciates the guidance and support of her teachers across the disciplines. Although she was initially hesitant about an all-girls school, now as a senior she is grateful for the leadership opportunities made available to her because of it. In addition to playing volleyball and tennis all four years, she is vice-president of Student Ambassadors and has been involved in Student Council and Dance Company. As she attends University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill next year, she plans to major in marine biology.

Finalist ANNA HUBER likewise excels in math, and her interests have taken her in the direction of economics, history, and civic engagement. Her involvement and leadership in Model UN and Youth in Government directed Anna to an internship opportunity with the YMCA’s Center for Civic Engagement. She is also a founding board member of Nashville’s Junior Economic Club and serves as the organization’s chief marketing officer. Anna is grateful for all the opportunities she has had at SCA and plans to continue her interests in business, Analytics and History in the fall at the University of Notre Dame.

ISABEL LEONARD, finalist, loves St. Cecilia and National Merit Commended Scholar ELLA HILL CROUCH is also interested in many subjects, particularly science and its intersection with political science. Over the years she has gained an interest in and concern for the environment, especially through her research in a Scientific Research independent study course. At SCA Ella Hill has been able to combine her love of science with a love for public speaking discovered through her involvement in the SCA drama program. She also realized her leadership abilities through her work with Student Council and as President of the SCA Ambassador Board. As she says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know myself better over the last four years. I don’t know who I would be without SCA.” Ella Hill will attend Xavier University in the fall.