Nine Named Commended Scholars

Nine Bishop Watterson students have been named National Merit Commended Scholars based on their performances on the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Chris Ault (Kilbourne Middle School/Immaculate Conception Parish) is a Student Ambassador and member of the boys lacrosse team and Morgan’s Message Club. He volunteers at Dwelling Place Project and is planning to major in finance.

Sophia Blum (St. Andrew School and Parish) is President of the French Club and Crochet Club as well as a co-captain of the girls tennis team. She is also a Student Ambassador and member of the National Honor Society. She is a Reading Buddy at Columbus Metropolitan Library and makes baby blankets for Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. Sophia intends to major in biology/pre-med.

Emily Darnieder (Columbus Gifted Academy/Our Lady of Peace Parish) is President of the Environmental Club, a member of the Dance Team and a leader of the costume crew for the Little Theatre. She also is a PSR classroom aide at OLP. Emily is planning to double major in college with one major being math.

Sophie Hamrock (St. Brendan School and Parish) is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in St. Brendan’s high school youth group, The Vine. Sophie volunteers at Run the Race Club, Totus Tuus at St. Brendan, a Catholic youth summer camp in Michigan and served on a mission trip to Kentucky.

Grant Hays (Hastings Middle School/St. Andrew Parish) is the trumpet section leader for the BWHS Marching Band as well as an Eagle Scout and a Boy Scouts patrol leader. Grant volunteers at Columbus Humane and plans to major in zoology/biology.

Michael Ponesse (Immaculate Conception School and Parish) is a section leader in the marching band and was a member of the lacrosse team in grades 9-11. He plans to major in psychology in college.

David Rubal (St Michael School/St. Peter St. Joan of Arc Parish) is a co-leader of the Ping Pong Club and volunteers at Smoky Row Food Pantry. He plans to major in computer science or computer programming in college.

Emily Summanen (Immaculate Conception School and Parish) is a member of the Chess Club, Spanish Club and Paso-a-Paso Club and serves on the sound crew for the Little Theatre. She has done the International Samaritan walk and volunteers at Immaculate Conception’s aftercare.

Matthias Wenning (Immaculate Conception School and Parish) plays soccer and lacrosse at Bishop Watterson and plans to major in pre-med.