Padua seniors Nathan Carlson ’27, Gregory Dudick ’27 and Audrey Szwec ’27 have been named National Merit Commended Students. Principal Bob DiRocco presented them with a letter of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
They are among 34,000 students nationwide being recognized as commended students for their academic achievements. Commended students were selected from a group of over 1.2 million applicants in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, commended students are among the top 50,000 high scorers who entered the 2027 competition. The commended students’ recognition not only reflects outstanding achievement but also academic potential.
“We are incredibly proud of these Bruins and this well-earned recognition of their academic accomplishments,” said DiRocco. “Being named a commended student is a significant achievement and we are pleased to celebrate their hard work, dedication and potential.”
“The recognition reflects Padua’s commitment to supporting students as they grow, pursue goals and achieve excellence,” said DiRocco. “Their success is a testament to the opportunities and support provided by Padua. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.”
Carlson is involved in Student Leadership Core, Model UN, Hockey, Key Club, MyTrack® Business, Italian Club and the Student Ambassador program. He is still deciding on where to attend college, but plans to study government and economics. Carlson is a graduate of Berea-Midpark Middle School.
Dudick is captain of Padua’s Soccer team, plays Lacrosse, is a members of MyTrack® Computer Science, MyTrack® Engineering, MyTrack® Business, German Club and National Honors Society. He is committed to play soccer at The College of Wooster and double major in data science and economics. Dudick is a graduate of Assumption Academy.
Szwec is a member of Padua Chorale, A Capella Choir, Bel Canto Chamber Chorale, lead producer for the Bruin Broadcast Network, senior member of the Bruin Tech Team, involved in Padua Theater, Girls Bowling, Drama Club, Italian Club, Yearbook Club and Padua Alliance Club. She is still deciding on where to attend college, but plans to major in theatre design, production and technology with an emphasis in sound engineering. She is a graduate of Greenbriar Middle School/Valley Forge (junior high).
