Sam Zhu named National Merit Semifinalist; Three students receive Commended recognition
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognized four Worthington Christian seniors in September for their outstanding academic achievement. Sam Zhu was named a National Merit Semifinalist, while Alaina Bourgeois, Elise Bourgeois, and Ben Winfrey were recognized as Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Each year, approximately 1.3 million high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year. Of those students, approximately 50,000 qualify for recognition based on their scores, with 16,000 advancing to Semifinalist standing and 34,000 receiving Commendations.
National Merit Semifinalist: Sam Zhu
Earning a place among the nation’s 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists is a significant academic achievement, representing less than one percent of graduating high school seniors nationwide.
WC senior Sam Zhu has distinguished himself through his academic achievements, particularly in mathematics and science. Sam is currently involved in advanced research at The Ohio State University’s William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, where he conducts research involving liquid crystals under faculty mentorship. He is also the second author of a peer-reviewed research publication in Materials Chemistry Frontiers.
Sam has earned a score of 5 on all nine AP exams he has completed, including several subjects he studied independently. He is currently taking Calculus III at Ohio State and has helped expand opportunities for fellow WC students by introducing and organizing participation in the American Mathematics Competitions and Physics Bowl.
Beyond academics, Sam is a captain of WC’s Varsity Swim Team, a two-time state qualifier, and a state finalist in the 500-yard freestyle. He has also been involved in WC’s strings program since third grade, serves as a teaching assistant in calculus and physics, and coaches young swimmers during the summer.
As a National Merit Semifinalist, Sam has the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing and compete for a National Merit Scholarship. Finalists will be announced in February 2027.
National Merit Commended Students
Three additional WC seniors, Alaina Bourgeois, Elise Bourgeois, and Ben Winfrey, were named Commended Students in recognition of their exceptional academic achievement. These students rank among approximately 34,000 high scorers nationwide who earned recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Alaina Bourgeois (pictured right) is actively involved in athletics, the arts, and student leadership at WC. She serves as captain of the Varsity Girls Tennis team and was named Warrior Athlete of the Month in August in recognition of her ability to connect with and encourage her teammates. She also helps lead WC’s student-led worship team and is involved in French Club and the theater department, where she has assisted with rehearsals, middle school productions, and elementary theater camps. Outside of school, Alaina volunteers with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, where she has helped organize children’s programs and served as a head volunteer at the Whetstone Branch in 2025.
Elise Bourgeois (pictured middle) has excelled both academically and athletically, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor and receiving multiple all-conference honors in tennis. She qualified for the OHSAA State Tennis Tournament in 2025 and also volunteers with Buddy Up, a tennis program for athletes with Down syndrome. Elise has been actively involved in WC’s orchestra program, earning superior ratings at OMEA events for solo and ensemble performances. She also serves as a leader in the Asian Culture Club and Biology Club. An advocate for blood donation, Elise helped organize a blood drive at WC in May 2026.
Ben Winfrey (pictured left) is an accomplished musician, composer, and performer who has been involved in both band and theatre at WC. A saxophonist and bassoonist, Ben has also spent the past five years composing and producing music, including original chamber music pieces. He received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and was recently selected as one of eight alto saxophonists to participate in The Ohio State University’s Honors Jazz Band. Ben also serves as secretary of WC’s band and has appeared in six WC theater productions, including significant roles as Chris in The Play That Goes Wrong and Nino in Amélie. Outside of his musical pursuits, Ben has earned a black belt in taekwondo.