Woodlands Academy student receives National Merit commendation

In addition to a recently announced semifinalist, one more Woodlands Academy of the Sacred student has distinguished herself in the current National Merit Scholarship competition. School officials recently were informed that senior Julia Podstolowicz, of Gurnee, is among the top 3 percent of high school seniors nationwide being recognized for exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on a qualifying test.

Podstolowicz received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, and her Lake Forest school on Sept. 25. While included among the top scorers, commended students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards. Some of them are likely to become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

"Woodlands Academy is proud to share in commending Julia Podstolowicz who clearly has demonstrated such outstanding potential for academic success," said Principal Rocco Gargiulo. "We hope that this recognition will inspire her to continue to pursue academic excellence."

Just two weeks earlier, Woodlands Academy received word that senior Elizabeth Coughlin, of Northbrook, was among the less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors achieving semifinalist status in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit® scholarships that will be offered next spring.

Woodlands Academy is an independent, Catholic day-and-boarding, college-preparatory school for young women of all faiths grades nine through 12 that promotes engaging academics, artistic and athletic excellence, strong faith, and social responsibility. It's part of a worldwide network of more than 150 Sacred Heart schools on six continents and was named the 2020 #1 best all-girls and #1 best Catholic high school in Illinois by Niche, an independent research company.

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org