13 Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program

FHS Senior Lola R. Richardson has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, with an additional 13 seniors named Commended Students. 

As a finalist, Richardson will receive a Certificate of Merit attesting to her distinguished performance in the competition. Approximately 7,140 of the over 15,000 finalists will earn scholarships between March and June.

Teachers recognize Richardson as an essential member of their classrooms. She has taken many Advanced Placement courses and is heavily involved in school activities and programs. Richardson is a member of the 40% Club, works as a mentor and counselor at Franklin Summer Music Camp, plays the accordion, flute and piano, and holds a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

“I am excited to be a finalist because I have worked very hard and put in consistent effort towards my studies throughout my life,” said Richardson. “Being selected as a finalist feels like all of that hard work is being recognized, which is a rewarding feeling, regardless of whether or not I win a scholarship.”

Richardson’s most meaningful high school experience was her participation in the All-State music festival during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. Outside of school, she works as a pianist at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

Although she has not finalized her decision, Richardson was accepted into Berklee College of Music and received a full tuition scholarship.

The 13 Commended Students are recognized for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by scoring among the 50,000 highest scorers nationwide on the 2022 Preliminary/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They will receive letters of commendation from the district, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The Commended Students include: Aayush Srinivas, Adithya Balagurumoorthy, Aditya Sharma, Andrew Van Marter, Anna David, Anton Sackley, Arnav Deshpande, Ava Reijmers, Brady Flynn, Charles Call, Christopher Bartlett, Jennifer Soohoo and Liana Warnakulasooriya.

“We are incredibly proud of Lola for becoming a finalist for the scholarship, as well as each of the Commended Students for this prestigious achievement,” Superintendent Giguere said. “All of these students have worked incredibly hard to accomplish this, and they are very deserving of the recognition.”