Three Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalist or Commended Scholar
Three Bishop Watterson students have been named a National Merit Semifinalist or Commended Scholar based on their performances on the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Ilse Williams (Our Lady of Peace School and Parish) is a National Merit Semifinalist who is a BWHS Student Ambassador, National Honor Society officer and Student Council charity committee chairperson. In addition, Ilse is a cellist in the Columbus Symphony’s Youth Orchestra, a student leader for Chamber Music Connection and a member of the BWHS pit orchestra and jazz band. She also plays cello for Our Lady of Peace Masses and is a leader of the Student Music Initiative for Local Elderly, playing music in small groups for senior homes. Ilse did materials science research during a welding engineering internship at Ohio State and plans to major in biochemistry and music in college.
Julia Darnieder (Columbus Gifted Academy/Our Lady of Peace Parish) is a Commended Scholar who volunteers weekly with 8th graders in the parish school of religion program at Our Lady of Peace. She is the flute section leader and a vice president of the marching band as well as serving as the building crew lead for the Little Theatre at BWHS. Julia also does studio dance in ballet, tap and jazz and plans to be a pre-med major at Ohio State next year.
Daniel Schmidt (St. Michael School and Parish) is a three-year varsity athlete for Bishop Watterson in swimming and tennis. He completed his Eagle Scout project this fall, building a garden at St. Sophia Orthodox Cathedral, and has served as a senior patrol leader as part of Boy Scout Troop 123. Daniel has also volunteered at The Ganzhorn Suites Specialized Memory Care and with Buddy Up for Life. He is undecided on his college plans at this time.