Lilly is among just 16,000 seniors selected from more than 1.2 million students nationwide who entered the competition. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

Those who know Lilly will not be surprised by this achievement. She earned a perfect 36 on the ACT as a freshman and has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

“Lilly’s exceptional ability and work ethic have allowed her to advance two years beyond the traditional mathematics sequence, completing AP Calculus BC as a junior,” says Director of College Counseling Stephanie Fournet. “This year, Math Department Chair Taylor Ducote developed Foundations of Higher Mathematics to continue challenging Lilly and another advanced student while preparing them for college-level study.”

That kind of personalized support is an important part of the Ascension experience. When students are ready to go further, our teachers look for meaningful ways to challenge them. Through an independent study, Lilly also taught herself Python programming—an impressive example of what can happen when a student’s curiosity is encouraged.

But Lilly is more than an outstanding student. She is a leader among her classmates, a varsity cross-country athlete, and one of the founding tutors in Ascension’s Learning Lab, where students help their peers build confidence and strengthen their skills. Lilly’s story reflects what we want for every Ascension student: to be known, challenged, and supported while discovering how to use their God-given gifts to serve others.

She will now continue in the competition for Finalist standing and the opportunity to earn one of approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships awarded in spring 2027. We are incredibly proud of Lilly and grateful for the many ways she strengthens our Ascension community!

Learn more about Ascension Episcopal School at www.ascensionbluegators.org