Oakcrest Seniors Ada W. ‘26 and Claire M. ‘26 Named Commended Students in 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program
Oakcrest School is proud to announce that seniors Ada W. ‘26 and Claire M. ‘26 have been recognized as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Ada and Claire entered this nationwide competition by taking the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT last October. Based on their outstanding performance, they are among the 34,000 top high school seniors nationwide to earn this recognition.
Oakcrest celebrated this accomplishment on September 26, with a small gathering for the students and their families, joined by Head of School Christie Keuchel.
Ada W. ‘26 is a thoughtful and inquisitive student known for her kindness, wit, and independence. She has consistently excelled across disciplines, challenging herself with an increasingly rigorous course load. A self-directed learner, Ada pursues subjects out of genuine curiosity. Beyond the classroom, she is a pianist preparing for an advanced exam, a member of Oakcrest’s Varsity tennis team and youth tennis coach, and an active participant in school clubs and community service.
Claire M. ‘26 is recognized as a stellar student and critical thinker who approaches academics with intentionality and self-awareness. A four-year member of both the Cross Country team and Chamber Orchestra, she also earned Rookie of the Year on the JV soccer team before advancing to Varsity in her junior year. Claire is an active member of Oakcrest’s Respect Life Club and Medical Club. As the youngest of four siblings, she brings both drive and thoughtfulness to everything she undertakes.
Being named a Commended Student is a mark of exceptional academic promise. These students exemplify the intellectual curiosity and character we seek to foster in all our students.
Oakcrest School, founded in 1976, is an independent school in Vienna, VA, that provides education to girls in grades 6–12 rooted in the Catholic faith and guided by the spirituality of Opus Dei. Through a rich liberal arts curriculum, one-on-one mentorship, and partnership with parents, Oakcrest inspires young women to academic excellence, virtuous leadership, and joy in learning.