ACS Athens congratulates senior Matson Holmgren for receiving Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarship programs in the United States. Every year, over 1 million high school juniors enter the competition for a National Merit Scholarship.

About 34,000 Commended students were recognized for their exceptional academic promise and placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). 

Students receive commendation based on their outstanding achievement in the College Board examination. This distinction also highlights the key role that their school, including their teachers, has played in their academic development, and it looks great to colleges and universities. 

Academy Principal Mr. Nelson commented that “Matson is highly engaged both in and out of the classroom and demonstrates exceptional oratorical and critical thinking skills. “He has been chosen by his classmates for his leadership qualities and currently serves as the Secretary of the 12th Grade Student Council.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a  not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance.