Grace, '25, and Perry, '25

Seniors Grace Pellegrin and Perry Joseph have been named 2025 National Merit Semifinalists! Out of the over 1.3 million juniors who take the PSAT each year, about 16,000 are chosen as semifinalists. Congratulations to Grace and Perry for this spectacular achievement!

Grace has been a Falcon since PK3. Along with membership in the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, she plays tennis, as well as both school and club soccer. She’s a member of the French Club and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Junior Leadership Team, and participates in community service, tutoring, and research. Grace says science teacher Andy LeGoullon has inspired her as a learner because he has taught her not to shy away from a problem because of intimidating notation. “This has motivated me to dive deeper into all of my classes," she says, "and develop deep, not just sufficient, understanding in all of my subjects!”

Perry joined the ESA community in second grade. A member of the Cum Laude Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and National Honor Society, Perry devotes lots of time to Youth and Government and tennis. He says his family has always encouraged him to learn by taking an interest in various topics and by taking him on trips to broaden his horizons. “ESA has truly developed my critical thinking skills by constantly challenging me in every aspect of my life,” Perry says. “The sense of community is remarkably unique. Everyone knows and trusts everyone.”

Thanks, Grace and Perry!