News Detail
Seniors Recognized by National Merit Program
Sixteen Rockhurst High School seniors were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Seven were named National Merit Semifinalists and nine were named National Merit Commended Students.
The Semifinalists, pictured left to right, between President David Laughlin and Principal Fr. Stephen Kramer, SJ, are: (front row) Shiv Patel, Tom Fimmen, Landon Christopher; (back row) Nolan Fellows, Andrew Hayes, Daniel Colombo, and Cooper Clifft.
More than 1.3 million juniors entered the 2026 competition last school year by taking the 2024 PSAT, which serves as the initial screen for program entrants. Around 57,000 earned the highest index score to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition. Of those top students, approximately one-third, or about 16,000, are named as Semifinalists.
Looking forward to February, some 15,000 Semifinalists will be notified that they have been selected to Finalist standing.
Landon Christopher on his National Merit Semifinalist selection
Cooper Clifft on his National Merit Semifinalist selection:
The Semifinalists, pictured left to right, between President David Laughlin and Principal Fr. Stephen Kramer, SJ, are: (front row) Shiv Patel, Tom Fimmen, Landon Christopher; (back row) Nolan Fellows, Andrew Hayes, Daniel Colombo, and Cooper Clifft.
More than 1.3 million juniors entered the 2026 competition last school year by taking the 2024 PSAT, which serves as the initial screen for program entrants. Around 57,000 earned the highest index score to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition. Of those top students, approximately one-third, or about 16,000, are named as Semifinalists.
Looking forward to February, some 15,000 Semifinalists will be notified that they have been selected to Finalist standing.
Landon Christopher on his National Merit Semifinalist selection
"For many years of my life, I have focused on academic excellence in everything I do. I am very excited to have been chosen for this prestigious program and all the benefits now allotted to me, and I look forward to the opportunities it will open up for me as I progress onto college.
After my time at Rockhurst, I hope to study aerospace engineering and astrophysics and eventually have a career as an air/spacecraft designer.
My favorite activities at Rockhurst are the Drone Club and Robotics Team 5809. These programs have allowed me to nurture my love of engineering and avionics while getting real world experience in those fields.
Mr. Nendick has been a very impactful influence in my life. As coach of the robotics team, he has assisted me through many technological challenges. His calm and quirky demeanor always brightens up the mood, even in times of struggle.
I am very grateful for all the friends and teammates I have here who have helped me grow as a person and an engineer."
Cooper Clifft on his National Merit Semifinalist selection:
"The National Merit Semifinalist selection is a testament to my hard work and dedication for the past three years at Rockhurst. It is truly an honor to receive such a prestigious award, and it is a reflection of the exemplary education that Rockhurst has provided me.
As of now, I plan to pursue a career in medicine. I have not decided on a college yet, but I plan to major in either chemistry or biology. Although it is still a very long ways out, I would like to pursue a career in Radiology (like my dad).
The thing I like most about Rockhurst is the many ways you can get involved and the many opportunities provided to the students to grow, serve, lead, compete, learn, and build meaningful connections with others that will last a lifetime. I have been involved in several different activities, each of which has helped me grow in different ways. I played soccer for the past three years, lacrosse my freshman year, and tennis my sophomore and junior years. In addition, I have been on SGA since my sophomore year (as a rep for my first two years and Student Body Treasurer now). I was also selected as a leader for the Freshman Retreat and a Kairos Retreat this year.
One of the teachers who has helped me get to where I am today is Mr. Rich Sullivan. He has been a teacher, coach, mentor, and advisor for me since my sophomore year, and he has impacted me in many ways from the tennis courts to the classroom. In addition to coaching tennis and teaching me world history, Mr. Sullivan has worked with me to discern my future plans for college and beyond."
Daniel Colombo on his National Merit Semifinalist selection:
"My National Merit Semifinalist selection means a lot to me. I view it primarily as a way to express gratitude for all of the support I have received from my friends, teachers, and especially from my parents.
I am currently undecided as to where I want to go to college, but wherever I end up, I hope to study math and music. As of right now, I also want to go to medical school and become a doctor.
My favorite thing about Rockhurst is definitely the community. Even now as a senior, I still meet new people and find new reasons to love coming to school every day. I am the current vice president of the Spanish club, a member of the speech and debate team, and a proud C team warrior on the cross country team.
It is very difficult to pick just a single teacher, but someone who I don’t regularly give enough credit to is my biology teacher, Mr. Vaughn. He was one of the first teachers at Rockhurst who cemented the idea that school (and learning in general) should be fun. Since then, it has become of my core beliefs, and I have made it my goal to find something to laugh about every day at school. He not only taught me how to succeed in school, but also how to enjoy it. He also invited me to step outside of my comfort zone and take AP Biology my sophomore year, and I’m slightly disappointed that I accepted his offer because I can’t take his class again my senior year.
Nolan Fellows on his National Merit Semifinalist selection:
"I’m proud to be recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist and it is an honor to be acknowledged among six of my Rockhurst peers that I’ve grown to respect and admire.
After graduating from Rockhurst I plan to pursue a degree in science or engineering. I haven’t decided on a specific field, but I am currently most interested in mechanical or electrical engineering.
One of my favorite things about Rockhurst is the support from the school. If I ever have a question about homework in a class, my teachers are always willing to meet with me before or after school to help me out. I also receive support from my classmates who help me study or with homework outside of school. I am involved in ACE club, engineering club, and I am the treasurer of the Spanish club.
A teacher that has helped me get to where I am today is Mr. Bosco. He was my freshman English teacher and through his class I gained a good understanding of how Rockhurst was structured and it helped prepare me for harder classes in the future. He also encouraged me to participate in the ACE club which I have been a member of since sophomore year.
I am grateful for my parents and the many teachers who have supported and challenged me throughout my time at Rockhurst. I am looking forward to my final year at Rockhurst and hope to make this year the best one yet."
Tom Fimmen on his National Merit Semifinalist selection:
"To me, being selected as a National Merit Semifinalist means that all my time and efforts on my academics are finally paying off.
After Rockhurst I hope to attend Texas A&M University. I hope to study mechanical engineering and then become a lawyer.
One of my favorite things about Rockhurst are all the clubs and activities; student government, mock trial, choir, lacrosse, speech and debate, cross country, Model UN, and being the mascot. Another thing I love about Rockhurst is all the amazing people I have met along my way.
Coach Dierks has helped shaped me tremendously. My freshman year he not only challenged me physically, but challenged me to step up and be a leader, even as a freshman. During the many conversations I had with Coach Dierks, I learned the importance of persistence, consistency, competing against myself, and growing in my faith."
Andrew Hayes on his National Merit Semifinalist selection:
"National Merit Semifinalist is an academic achievement, and I hope it helps me get into the college of my choice. I hope to be named a finalist in February and receive a scholarship.
In college, I plan to study Finance and Economics and I think law school is a possibility as well. I spent two weeks at Georgetown last summer and had a great experience, so Georgetown is my first choice university and I hope to be admitted through Early Action. Besides Georgetown, I plan to apply to the University of Notre Dame and Villanova University.
My favorite thing about Rockhurst is that every student can participate in an activity they love because Rockhurst has so much to offer. I have been involved in Speech & Debate since my freshman year and Model United Nations since my sophomore year, and I am excited to serve as team captain this year for both activities. In addition, I am Freshman Retreat Co-Chair and have been planning for the upcoming Freshman Retreat since last spring.
My debate coach, Mr. Helt, has been very supportive ever since my first class of Speech & Debate my freshman year. Mr. Helt is always enthusiastic and cares about our team. He has impacted me because I know that, if I ever have a problem, even if it is not related to debate, I can always talk to him.
When I first came to Rockhurst, someone told me good things happen at the Rock after 3:00 p.m. I found this to be so true! Whether playing a sport, meeting for a club, or playing cards with friends in Barry Commons, there's always fun things to do at The Rock."
Shiv Patel on his National Merit Semifinalist selection:
"For the most part, this honor a reflection of my progress since freshman year, but also an example of the work I put in for success.
Currently, I wish to pursue medicine, particularly in the fields of cardiology, orthopedics, or pathology. I have not yet decided on a college in particular, though.
My favorite thing about Rockhurst is the community. I’m involved in both the Scholar Bowl and Chess eSports teams, and these activities are highly focused on team collaboration and motivation.
For me, Dr. Caughron has contributed greatly to my Rockhurst career, and I would honestly attribute my success as a National Merit Semifinalist to the preparation she gave us sophomore and junior year. As for other things, she has helped me develop into a better, more thoughtful writer and person while also helping me to understand what I truly enjoy doing and talking about."
