Three West Monroe High School seniors were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, representing less than one percent of high school seniors across the country.
Anderson Dixon and Katie Namkung were named Semifinalists and Caroline Cavin was recognized as a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Students entered the National Merit Scholarship Program, a nationwide competition for recognition and awards conducted by NMSC by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT as a junior in October 2023. In April, NMSC identified the 50,000 highest scorers and notified their high schools.
“It’s really exciting, just knowing the people who got it before – it’s pretty prestigious,” Dixon said.
West Monroe also had two semifinalists – John Wesley Floyd and Brantley Martin – last school year.
“I was really excited,” Namkung said. “I was on edge whether I was going to make it or not, but once I got the confirmation, I was like, ‘Yes!’”
All three students rank at the top of their class with 4.0 GPA. Namkung, who wants to be a psychiatrist, also scored a 36 on her ACT.
“I really enjoy doing art,” Namkung said. “It’s something I didn’t want to give up when I go to college, so I plan on getting a minor in Fine Arts – maybe look into jobs regarding psychology and art, like art therapy and have a career surrounded around something like that.”
Dixon spent most of his life thinking he would have a future in the medical field as well. However, after being a part of Lead Worship at First West, he feels drawn to go to seminary and enter into ministry. Dixon is also a part of the tennis team, Interact Club, Fellowship of Christian Students, Key Club, Student Council, Junior Civitan, National Honor Society and Biology Club.
“My impact is, ‘What can I do for those students, who in four years are going to be me? The freshmen and pouring into the freshmen and sophomores and getting them connected,” Dixon said. “I’ve had a great high school experience. In three years, they’re going to be the leaders, so what can I leave behind?”
Namkung is also a part of the National Honor Society and Key Club, in addition to the Mayor’s Youth Council, Art Club, Yearbook and Talented Art.
She and Dixon will now compete for a share of about 6,870 scholarships worth almost $26 million. The next step for a semifinalist to become a finalist is to complete the required application and includes their SAT and ACT scores, an essay and a letter of recommendation by a high school official. Finalists will be announced between April and July 2025.
Cavin is one of about 34,000 students to be recognized as a Commended Student. She placed among the top 50,000 students in the nationwide competition.
“It’s still a shock to me,” said Cavin, who is the daughter of two teachers. “It’s hard to process. It’s really nice everything I’ve done isn’t a waste. I’ve worked really hard.”
Cavin is a member of the National Honor Society and Junior Civitan Club. She also participates in the Amateur Radio Club. She plans to attend ULM and major in Pharmacy.
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