![Celebrating Academic Excellence]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1665749076/taft/luhwycd5kagisei6l5ay/CumLaudeHero.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1665749076/taft/luhwycd5kagisei6l5ay/CumLaudeHero.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1665749076/taft/luhwycd5kagisei6l5ay/CumLaudeHero.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1665749076/taft/luhwycd5kagisei6l5ay/CumLaudeHero.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1665749076/taft/luhwycd5kagisei6l5ay/CumLaudeHero.jpg","width":1440}])
Head of School Willy MacMullen ’78 frequently speaks of the “life of the mind,” and academic excellence. This week, both were celebrated during Taft’s annual Cum Laude Society induction ceremony, which also recognized National Merit Scholarship Program honorees, and the ranking scholars of the Classes of 2023-25.
Cum Laude
Founded in 1908, the Cum Laude Society is the national scholarship society in secondary schools, corresponding to Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi in colleges and scientific schools. A maximum of 20% of the Senior Class may be elected into membership in the Cum Laude Society. This week, 15 seniors representing the top 8.4% of their class were inducted. Congratulations to:
- Charlotte Brodhead
- Jude Celebi
- Emma Chambourova
- Brian Chi
- Grace Deng
- Alexander DiCorpo
- Seoyoung Kim
- Amelia Lancaster
- Michael Mangel
- Iok Tong (Rena) Shao
- Brendan Staines
- Xiting (Amy) Wang
- Xufei (Figo) Wang
- Hanyu (Angela) You
- Yuwei (Nicole) Zang
Ranking Scholars
The following students were the Ranking Scholars at Taft for the 2021-22 academic year, with the highest unweighted averages in their classes:
- Class of 2025: Matthew Romero, 98.33
- Class of 2024: Nikas Lukyanov, 97.64
- Class of 2023: Marina Tanaka, 97.92
National Merit Scholarship Program
The following students received Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. With a selection index of 207 or above, these high performers have shown outstanding academic potential.
- Jude Celebi
- Daniel Deng
- Grace Deng
- Martin Devino
- Alexander DiCorpo
- Maria Hogencamp
- Skylar Johnson
- Hanchen (Kevin) Liu
- Andrew Niewinski
- John Sawyer
- Iok Tong (Rena) Shao
- Chirapon Taepaisitphongse
- Marina Tanaka
- Oujie (Kevin) Tong
- Mina Xiao
- Yitong Zhao
- Emile Zogbi
The following students were semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program for their outstanding performance last year on the PSAT, finishing in the top 1% of all test takers. They are now eligible to apply to be a National Merit Finalist to win scholarship money.
- Brian Chi
- Jose Mateo Sanchez
Congratulations to all of Taft’s honored scholars.