Aspen High School students recognized as “Commended Students”

Aspen High School Principal Sarah Strassburger announced in a press release that five Aspen High School students have been recognized as “Commended Students” in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. 

These students — Henry Hurd, Sharif Khan, Camron Lapointe, Morgan Phillips, and Audrey Woodrow — have achieved this commendation, which places them among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), according to the press release. 

While they will not advance in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, their outstanding academic promise has been acknowledged nationally.

“These students represent not only academic excellence, but also the IB Learner Profile traits of kindness, integrity, inquiry, risk-taking, and so much more,” Strassburger said in the press release. 

She praised them for their accomplishments beyond the classroom, highlighting that “these are student-athletes, innovative thinkers, and service-oriented individuals who exemplify the best of our learning community,”

“We are so proud of these students and cannot wait to see all that they accomplish to make our world a better place,” she said.

According to the press release, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes approximately 34,000 students across the country each year for their exceptional academic potential, honoring those who demonstrate the ability to excel in challenging educational environments. 

Aspen School District Superintendent Tharyn Mulberry echoed this sentiment in the press release, emphasizing how proud the district is of these students for their demonstrated academic success. 

“They embody all of the qualities we strive to cultivate in our learners. These students are risk-takers, caring individuals, and knowledgeable, critical thinkers who approach challenges with confidence and curiosity,” he said. “They exemplify the spirit of lifelong learning and represent the core values of our district.” 

He attributed their success to the dedication of the district’s educators and the supportive learning environment cultivated in Aspen, according to the press release.