Notre Dame Academy senior Addie Weiss has been recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student for her outstanding completion of the PSAT. 

Becoming a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student is an honor that takes years of hard work and dedication. In 2021, roughly 2 million students took the PSAT. Of those two million students, only 34,000 were recognized as commended students and received Letters of Commendation in acknowledgment of their outstanding academic potential. That’s less than 2% of all juniors. 

Weiss was shocked to be recognized as she didn’t even know that being a Commended Student existed.  She found out about her achievement at the same time as the rest of the school. 

“I was surprised because I had no idea that this was even a thing. Mrs. Bain emailed me about going on the Morning Show but didn’t tell me what it was for, so I found out at the same time as everyone else,” said Weiss. 

Weiss says she didn’t really think about her test after taking it and has been shocked by the outpouring of congratulations and acclaim she has received. Her parents, too, were proud of the achievement.

“People reacted more than I expected them to. I’ve had so many adults congratulate me, and I guess I didn’t realize how big of a deal the recognition was. My parents were super proud which is cool,” explained Weiss.  

Weiss’ achievements and involvement inside of school have existed long before her commendation though. She is a model student and is the true definition of a well-rounded individual. She has been on the Outreach Branch of Student Government for the past two years, is a National Honor Society Officer, and is a part of numerous clubs, like Drama Club, Environmental Club and ASTRA. 

“I’m also a captain of the school leadership program and a founding member of that organization here at school. My favorite subject has always been English, and history is a close second,” said Weiss. 

Not only is Weiss talented academically, but she has many accomplishments outside of school as well. She has run cross country all four years and has been a part of both the musical and spring play all four years. As for now, Weiss’ plan is to get her law degree and become a civil rights attorney. 

“I’m not entirely sure what career that will lead me into, but I know that I want to help people who are facing discrimination,” said Weiss. 

There was never a specific class or moment when she knew this was her path, but taking Morality and Social Justice her sophomore year solidified her belief that social justice is something that she is passionate about. 

Although Weiss doesn’t have a “dream school” she’s looking towards, she has applied to numerous schools like Boston College, University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Northeastern University, and is still applying to a couple of other schools like the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

“I really couldn’t pick a dream school out of those; I’d be thrilled to get into any of them,” she said.