Claremont High School proudly recognizes four outstanding seniors—Leo Cheng, Simon Rockwell, Ian Moore, and Mayo Ou—as Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These talented students attribute their success to the supportive environment at CHS and the encouragement they received from their teachers, which helped them excel academically and reach this prestigious milestone.
Leo Cheng, who dreams of pursuing the Harvard-Berklee Joint Studies Program, hopes to combine his passion for music with a rigorous academic education. This unique four-year program allows students to earn a Bachelor's degree at Harvard University while simultaneously engaging in music coursework at Berklee College of Music, blending Harvard's offerings in music history, theory, and performance with Berklee's extensive opportunities in performance, composition, and contemporary music education. Leo shared that this dual experience perfectly aligns with his academic and musical aspirations, making it his dream pathway. "Being part of this program would let me study music in depth while getting a solid liberal arts education, which is incredibly exciting," Leo expressed. Reflecting on his journey, he credited the nurturing academic atmosphere at CHS: "All of my teachers are really encouraging. Even though I didn't always ask for direct help with test prep, just being in an encouraging and academic environment pushed me to strive for something extraordinary."
Simon Rockwell, who hopes to attend Brown University, echoed similar sentiments about the impact of CHS teachers on his success. "The classwork and studying I did at CHS prepared me well for the test," Simon explained. "Most of that is thanks to my teachers and the positive environment they created," Simon emphasized that the challenging academics combined with a nurturing atmosphere at CHS made a significant difference in his confidence and achievements.
Ian Moore, whose siblings were also semifinalists, emphasized the collaborative spirit at CHS. "Everyone here is supportive, and people help each other when they can," Ian noted. "That kind of environment made all the difference in achieving a high score." Ian credits the school's encouraging culture and his teachers' dedication for helping him reach this milestone.
Mayo Ou, who dreams of pursuing scientific research, highlighted the camaraderie among her peers and the role of her teachers in her success. "The support I've received from my teachers and the academic environment at CHS made all the difference," Mayo shared. She is grateful for the community and opportunities at CHS, which have helped her thrive academically and personally.
We are incredibly proud of Leo, Simon, Ian, and Mayo for their remarkable achievements and the positive reflections they bring to our Claremont High School community. Their success is a testament to the power of a supportive learning environment, and we wish them the best as they continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships.