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The Dunham School is pleased to announce that senior Ciara Venable has been named as a finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

A student at Dunham since kindergarten, Ciara also has been recognized as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.  She has a 4.38 GPA and currently serves the school as Publicity Prefect. Ciara is a member of the National Honor Society,  Beta Club,  Institute of Leadership,  French Club and Dunham cross country and track teams.

"I am extremely proud of Ciara and all of her many accomplishments. Her outstanding work ethic in the classroom, dynamic leadership within our school community, and her compassion for others are just a few of her amazing traits," said Upper School Director Amanda McIlwain. "Our entire school is excited to celebrate this success with her and we are confident that her success will continue into college and into whatever career field she chooses to pursue."

The daughter of Karen and the late Joseph E. Venable Jr. plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in finance followed by law school. Her college acceptances include LSU Honors College, University of Louisiana Lafayette Honors College, Mississippi College, Samford University, University of Southern Mississippi and Rollins College.

“Dunham has shaped me by helping me to develop strong connections with my teachers and providing me with the sense that I can accomplish anything,” Ciara said.

Ciara is one of approximately 15,000 academically talented high school seniors still eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, worth approximately $32 million, that will be offered later this spring.

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