Four Catholic Central seniors have been named as semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Competition, including Drew Abbott ‘25, Edward Badel ‘25, Christopher Goolsby ‘25, and Peter Sanin ‘25. 

This brings the total number of National Merit Scholarship semifinalists at Catholic Central to 15 within the past three years, including six in 2022-2023, five in 2023-2024, and four in 2024-2025.

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s press release, more than 16,000 semifinalists were named in this year’s 70th annual competition. Each semifinalist has the opportunity to continue for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million, awarded in the spring of 2025. 

The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than one percent of all high school seniors in the United States. Students are selected based on their accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in college. 

Last year, all five Catholic Central seniors nominated as semifinalists went on to become finalists in the competition. 

“[Athletic Director] Mr. Aaron Babicz ‘93 has a famous saying, "Roots, not fruits." Recognition as a National Merit Scholar is simply an expression of the fruits. I am much more proud of the work I have put in behind the scenes than I am being recognized for it because the recognition is a product of the work I put in before,” Peter Sanin ‘25 said of his nomination. 

“I'm honored to be recognized and very proud to see my hard work reflected in what I have achieved,” stated Drew Abbott ‘25.

Of his nomination, Christopher Goolsby ‘25 said, “It means a lot to me to be recognized as a National Merit Scholar. It's a huge honor to be in the top 1% of all high school students and it's very validating to see that my hard work paid off.”

“It is a great personal achievement no doubt, but the ability to represent our school in such a way means a lot more. I hope that my receiving of this award will in some part help showcase the extraordinary environment that exists at CC,” stated Edward Badel ‘25.

For more information about the 2025 National Merit Scholarship program, please visit the website at https://www.nationalmerit.org.

Stay tuned for more information about our semifinalists.