Senior Saba Michael was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. She scored in the top one percent of last year's PSAT/NMSQT takers, and she has the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring.

 

Michael is involved in several leadership roles at SCA, including Head of Programming in Robotics, President of Tech for Theatre Guild, and Founder and President of the Book Club. She has won several visual arts awards for her drawings and paintings. A St. Cecilia Academy Ambassador, Michael volunteers at SMART Arts + Crafts, a second-hand art supply store that uses 100% of its profits to support intellectually disabled adults in Middle Tennessee. When asked about being named a National Merit Semifinalist, she said, “I was shocked. I worked hard to study with the help of Sister Nicholas Marie, and I am excited for the opportunities this will provide me as I apply to colleges.”  Michael is a graduate of St. Edward School and is a member of St. Edward's parish.

 

In addition to Michael, Grace Bauer, Mia Keller, and Natalie Petroni were named National Merit Commended Scholars. Commended Scholars scored in the top two to three percent in the nation and demonstrate strong potential for academic success.

 

Bauer is Senior Class Vice President and a St. Cecilia Ambassador. She is involved with Theater, Model United Nations, and Mock Trial. She volunteers at Preston Taylor Ministries, which helps underserved youth, and founded the SCA chapter of UniCycle for Schools. “I’m so grateful to my parents for providing the opportunity to receive an education and the resources to learn more about the world,” said Bauer. “I’m also thankful for the teachers and learning experiences I’ve had at SCA, and as with anything, I owe it to God for watching over me and blessing me!” She is a graduate of St. Henry School and a St. Henry parishioner.

 

Keller is a student-athlete and a member of the varsity volleyball and softball teams. She is the Co-Founder and Vice-President of the Finance Club and President of the Latin Club.  She has continued to explore her talents in the visual arts and has participated in Youth in Government. Keller mentors children at Wonderfully Made Ministries, an after-school program for kids who are poor/at risk, where she helps them with their homework. When asked about becoming a Commended Scholar, she said, “I was proud when I found out, and I was happy to see my test scores improved from freshman and sophomore years.” Keller is a graduate of Overbrook Catholic School and a member of St. Henry's parish.

 

Petroni is Vice President of the Civic Engagement Club and Treasurer of the National Honor Society. She has participated in Model UN and Youth in Government during her four years at SCA. An artist, her photography was chosen for display in the 17^th Annual Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition at the Parthenon. Petroni is a member of the Vanderbilt Youth Choir and the Tennessee Youth Symphony. She has a love of service for the elderly and visits residents at Mary Queen of Angels weekly. “I was happy when I found I was a Commended Scholar,” she said. “I would like to thank Sister Nicholas Marie for helping me to prepare for the PSAT my junior year.” Petroni is a graduate of Overbrook Catholic School and is a St. Henry parishioner.