Merit awards settled in CHS

Makeda Keab and Ella Cortes • October 18, 2025

Claremont High School has attained a record number of National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) semifinalists this fall—Arnav Merla, Aabhisaar Shrivastav, Caleb Fong, Luke Vinall, and Gabrielle Mussey. Last fall, these five seniors took the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and scored near-perfect or perfect scores.

Despite the incredible achievement of the scores, the scholars gave a humbling input on the topic. “I thought I didn’t do that well,” Mussey said. “When I checked my scores, I was pretty surprised.” The pleasant stun was not unique only to Gabrielle, though. Vinall also expressed similar shock. “I am a bit surprised,” Vinall said. “It’s exciting to have this chance to be a National Merit Scholar.”

The astounding scores achieved by these scholars did not come without a lot of support behind the scenes. “My parents, especially my mom, really set high expectations,” Fong said. “My teachers have encouraged me to take college courses, which have helped to push my education further.”

Many of the Merit Scholars said that family and friends pushed them towards the excellence they have achieved. They have proven that having a solid support group can be game-changing, especially when reaching for a perfect score. Second to support, came focusing in class. “The preparation just came naturally with the rest of the curriculum that I learned in high school,” Merla said. “This was just another application of that. I really only studied the day before.”

The semi-finalists have specific recommendations for study tools for future PSAT test takers. “Definitely do the Khan Academy [practices],” Shrivastav said. “It certainly doesn’t hurt to be a good test taker, but I think it’s probably achievable to get a perfect score if you just study enough and know a few strategies,” Vinall said. “Do practice questions, do the practice SAT tests, be confident, stay focused during the test,” Mussey said. “Go back and check your work, too.”

With new tips and insight, CHS finalists give hope to those striving to achieve their goals in the coming years. The exceptional performance of these five students has not only made administrators and teachers proud, but also served as role models to fellow students.

Shout out to Ms. Kandice and Ms. Mittman from Caleb Fong.

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About the Contributors

Makeda Keab, Reporter

Makeda Keab is a sophomore at Claremont High School and a second-time reporter for the Wolfpacket. With last year’s success, she is returning to speech and debate and is adding Model UN as one of her hobbies. Keab is also putting a fast start on the school year by joining cross country. She is investing more time in the community and wants to explore more of her interests, both on and off-campus. At home, she helps her little siblings with schoolwork. She loves to travel and explore new places. She enjoys reading and prefers scenic routes, loves going on road trips, and uses art to occupy her in her free time. Keab is looking forward to brainstorming more colorful ideas. She is excited to see where the pen takes her this year.

Ella Cortes, Reporter

Ella Cortes is a senior at Claremont High School, and this is her first year being a Reporter for the Wolfpacket. Beyond just this, she is also known for many other things. She is the social media manager of the Unity and Community club, is currently working on writing a book, and she practices photography. Outside of school, she focuses most of her time on her many other passions and hobbies like drawing, sleeping, listening to music, loving TXT, and practicing guitar. She is also a proud ocean sunfish defender, who she believes are overhated, and a proud anti-mandatory rally fighter. Ella has filled her life with creativity and is sure to create an amazing impact on the school newspaper, filling the pages with amazing writing that will keep any reader wanting more.