A trio of Incarnate Word Academy seniors have been named Commended Scholars in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. Mary Julliette Billings '21, Sofia Garza '21 and Anna Hartman '21 are among 34,000 students nationwide to receive the designation.

In addition, Allison Huddleston '21 has been named to the College Board's National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Of the more than 1.5 million students across the country who took the 2019 Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, Nary Juliette, Sofia and Anna placed among the top 50,000 scorers. They will receive a letter of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their achievements. Allison's recognition is also tied to her performance on the PSAT. The College Board names approximately 5,000 students to the National Hispanic Recognition Program from those students taking the PSAT.  

"We are so proud of these young women for receiving this recognition," said Sister Lauren Beck, C.V.I., president of Incarnate Word Academy. "Their success in the classroom is outstanding, and we are delighted to celebrate this academic milestone with them."

While they will not continue in the 2021 competition for National Merit Scholarships, earning Commended Scholar designations represents a significant academic achievement.

"This recognition showcases the commitment these young ladies have given to rigorous college preparatory education," said IWA principal Andrea Smith, M.Ed, LPC, NCC.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation sent congratulations in a press release, noting that it hopes this recognition will encourage the students as they continue their academic journeys.

The College Board also shared congratulations for Allison, noting that students who earn National Hispanic Recognition are "some of the most talented in the country."