Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School is thrilled to announce that four students from the Class of 2025 have been named National Merit Semifinalists: Thomas Bykat '25, Bryant Gossett '25, Sam Holland '25 and Alexis Wolgast '25. These outstanding seniors qualified for this distinguishment based on their scores on the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT ®). Being named a Semifinalist indicates that these students had some of the top scores in Georgia.   

"We are thrilled to learn that Bryant, Thomas, Alexis and Sam have earned national recognition for their performance on last year's PSAT," Pam Ambler, director of college counseling, said. "Beyond test scores, these students are known for their deep curiosity in the world as well as the positive impact they have on our community." 

Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors are named Semifinalists each year. For Thomas, Bryant, Sam and Alexis, this news is a great accomplishment in its own right – but it also marks the beginning of an ongoing scholarship competition. Approximately half of the country's National Merit Semifinalists will advance to become Merit Scholarship winners based on their academic records, faculty recommendations and school and service activities. 

HIES is proud to have had many former students qualify as National Merit Semifinalists, and we know that these four students are kicking off what's sure to be a year full of accomplishments for the Class of 2025.

"The Class of 2025 is an accomplished group made up of kind, thoughtful and engaging individuals; it will be easy to celebrate them for the coming months!" Ms. Ambler said. 

The National Merit Finalists and Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in Spring 2025. Please join us in congratulating Thomas, Bryant, Sam and Alexis!