Three Seniors Named National Merit Scholars

Indian Springs seniors Andrew Glassford ’22, Catherine Kung ’22, and Andy Schwebel ’22 have been named National Merit Scholars. Each student receives a $2,500 scholarship to the college of their choice from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 

The trio were among eight Indian Springs seniors named 2022 National Merit Finalists and were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors based on their academic records, standardized test scores, contributions and leadership skills at Indian Springs, community activities, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. Winners are candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Andrew was named a Semi-Finalist in the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. He is the co-head of Indian Springs’ Mock Trial club that will compete at nationals next month. He was a member of the varsity baseball and bowling teams for four years and played JV soccer for two years. He is currently spearheading a service project with his classmates to build a program to scan and read passports with the hopes of donating the technology to organizations in Ukraine to help refugees cross international borders more efficiently. He will attend Amherst College in the fall. 

Catherine scored a perfect 36 on the ACT and was named a Presidential Scholar Candidate. She has received multiple awards for her ongoing research on the development of bio-inspired artificial skin. During her time at Indian Springs, she’s been part of award-winning teams that competed in science olympiad, math club contests, and Alabama’s high school programming competitions. She also won her division in the regional science fair for the past four years, earning a spot in the state competition each year. In the past two years, she won top honors and advanced to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Catherine will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall. 

Andy was named a Presidential Scholar Candidate. He is very active in student government and served as this year’s fall semester mayor. Andy is part of the Indian Springs’ scholars' bowl team, as well as the tennis and JV soccer teams. He has played the cello since elementary school and was named to the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra for the past four years. Andy is an Eagle Scout and volunteers his time at the McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham. After graduation, Andy will attend the University of Oxford in England. 

Congratulations to Andrew, Catherine, and Andy!