Press release
Margo Bruce, principal at Fluvanna County High School, announced today that FCHS seniors Mackenzie Swain and Rachel Warden each have been named a Commended Student in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented to Mackenzie and Rachel.
About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2022 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson from NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource.”
Mackenzie Swain is a Governor’s Early College Scholar and a member of Beta Club. She enjoys dog sitting, parks and rec softball, reading, baking, and excels at art. She is also working on starting a new club at school.
Rachel Warden is in the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School, an AP Capstone candidate, and a Governor’s Early College Scholar candidate. She is Student Government Association secretary this year. She is a member of Beta Club, YOVASO Club Vice President, and Political Awareness Club Vice President. Rachel runs varsity track and has competed at the state level. She is a dietary aide and volunteer at Our Lady of Peace, pet and babysits, and enjoys playing the piano.
Mackenzie and Rachel join a list of academically talented students from Fluvanna County High School who have received National Merit Recognition, including:
Troy Stephens (2021) – National Merit Commended, Georgia Institute of Technology
Claire Kent (2020) – National Merit Commended, University of Virginia
Liam Bridge (2018) – National Merit Commended, York College of Pennsylvania
Bayley Leshon (2018) – National Merit Commended, College of William and Mary
Harrison Lee (2017) – National Merit Finalist, Carnegie Melon Institute
Jonathan Corbin (2016) – National Merit Finalist, U.S. Naval Academy
For additional information about PSAT testing at the High School, contact Angie Blevins, School Testing Coordinator, at ablevins@apps.fluco.org or 434-589-3666.
For additional information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, contact Brenda Gilliam, Executive Director for Instruction and Finance, at bgilliam@apps.fluco.org or 434-589-8208.
