Columbus Academy seniors Adam Aikins, Jackson Amato, Dane Chaky, Bella Lee, Jon Proctor, Dillan Reddy, Ella Tang, Aashi Varia and Angela Zhang were among the more than 16,000 Semifinalists recently announced in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, they were among our state’s highest-scoring students on the 2024 PSAT exam and have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.
We invite you to learn more about this year’s National Merit Semifinalists (listed clockwise from top left)!
Aashi is the daughter of Niraj and Sapna Varia of Powell. She is a co-leader of Math Club, HOSA, Chess Club and Nutrition Club. Aashi is also a member of the school’s soccer team and plans to study biology in college. “My favorite part about being a student at Columbus Academy is Senior-Kindergarten Buddies,” she states. “I feel it is such a memorable tradition and a great way to connect the Lower School and Upper School as well as a meaningful final memory before graduation.”
Angela is the daughter of Zhanhui Zhang and Yang Cao of New Albany. At CA, she co-leads an animal welfare club. Outside of Academy, Angela plays violin in the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, paints and volunteers with Healthy New Albany. She’s undecided right now but leaning towards majoring in computer science/math and classics. Angela’s favorite things about Academy are “the people and school traditions such as Computer Science Fair, Senior-Kindergarten Buddies and Junior Speeches.”
Dane is the son of David Chaky and Ariane Park of New Albany. He serves as vice-president of the Service Board and as a captain for the both the cross country team and Robotics Club. Dane also participates in Speech and Debate, Science Olympiad, the NASA Glenn Engineering Scholars Program and both indoor and outdoor track. In college, Dane is interested in studying mechanical engineering, computer science and business. As for what he enjoys most about Academy, he states: “I love the amazing students and teachers as well as the many opportunities to explore and develop your own passions.”
Adam is the son of David and Gina Aikins of Westerville. He is involved in cross country, robotics, theatre and student council. According to Adam, who is interested in studying mechanical engineering in college: “What I enjoy most about being a student at Columbus Academy are the great teachers and my friends.”
Dillan is the son of Venu and Polly Reddy of New Albany. He’s involved in cross country, choir, Model UN, piano and working with the tech department’s “farmbot” at the school’s Peck Greenhouse. Dillan is interested in studying computer science and environmental science in college. He states: “What I enjoy most about being a student at CA is getting to have close connections with all of my classmates and teachers.”
Jon is the son of Burt and Renee Proctor of Powell. He participates in Chess Club, Camerata, Model UN, Speech & Debate, Science Olympiad, Coding Club, Spanish Club, Academy’s bowling team, ENGin, FESTA, Service Board and UPchieve. Accoding to Jon, who is interested in studying computer science (cybersecurity) and international relations in college, what he enjoys most about Academy are “the sense of community (I have been at CA since PreK), my friend group and the amazing support my teachers have given me.”
Bella is the daughter of JK and Eun Lee of Dublin. Within CA, she’s a co-leader of the Robotics Club and Science Olympiad. Outside of school, Bella enjoys volunteering with ESL classes at the library and playing with her string quartet through Chamber Music Connection. She plans on studying mechanical engineering in college. “I’ve found CA to be a very supporting environment in both my academics and extracurriculars,” Bella says. “The teachers are always happy to answer my questions, and there are plenty of resources to pursue my interests like robotics and art to a deep level.”
Ella is the daughter of Bingfeng Tang and Shuang Chen of New Albany. She participates in National History Day and Civic Leaders of America, and she plays on the girls golf team. “The teachers are incredibly caring and make learning super fun,” says Ella, who plans on studying science-related fields in college. “I’m so grateful for all that the teachers do for us and their support for our explorations of interests outside the classroom!”
Jackson is the son of Bill Amato and Cheryl Lee of Blacklick. In addition to serving as a co-president of MAOS and Academy’s chapter of HOSA, he is also a member of MEEAG, Mock Trial, BOS, CAMS, UCA and Research Club. Jackson, who plays tennis both for the Vikings and at the New Albany tennis center, is currently the team manager for the varsity girls tennis team. He is interested in studying cellular biology and Chinese in college with plans to be on the pre-med track. “I most enjoy spending time on the quad,” Jackson says, “since it is a great space that helps me be productive while also providing a social outlet at times.”