Two Monroe High School seniors have received National Merit honors through the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Emma Scznsny and Jackson Taft are being recognized for their performance on the 2019 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  The test was administered to over 1.5 million juniors around the nation.  Emma scored in the top 2% and has been named a National Merit Commended Student.  Jackson scored in the top 1% and has been named a National Merit Semi-Finalist. 

National Merit students are honored for demonstrating exceptional academic promise.  Emma will receive a Letter of Commendation, and Jackson has the opportunity to advance in the scholarship competition.  Finalists will be announced in March.

The scholastically-talented seniors are actively involved at Monroe High School and in the community. Jackson is a Monroe Trojan varsity swimmer and three-time state finalist.  He has been an A-relay member for MHS and the Southeast Michigan Aquatic Center and has also participated in SST and GTAC swimming.  Jackson is Secretary of the C.A.L.C. club, a past Trojan Mentor, and a member of Saint Michael Church.  Jackson’s academic aptitude has also earned him a High Achieving Talented Student award.  His volunteer work includes the Orchard Center High School food drive, Half Marathon check-in, St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, and food distribution at Forest Elementary.  Jackson plans to study business at the University of Michigan.  He is the son of John and Christina Taft.

A two-sport athlete, Emma is a varsity soccer and basketball player whose leadership activities include Drama Club President and Quiz Bowl Team Captain.  Emma is a 2018 AP Scholar with Honor, a 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction, and a member of the National Honor Society.  Outside of school, she has competed with Monroe United Travel Soccer and danced at the Peg Harris Studio.  Emma has served as a volunteer coach for CYO soccer and sports camps at Monroe High School, Monroe County Community College, and Holy Ghost Lutheran School.  As an active member of the Holy Ghost Lutheran Youth Fellowship, she has participated in many service projects.  Emma plans to attend a 4-year university.  She is the daughter of Teri and Mike Scznsny.