The Dunham School is pleased to announce that seniors  Parker Harris and Luke Russell have been named as finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Program, two of approximately 15,000 high school seniors still eligible to compete for National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered in Spring 2019.

A Dunham student since the second grade, Parker Harris is the son of Jennifer and J.P. Harris. He is has received national recognition as an AP Scholar® with Distinction and is a candidate for the prestigious U.S Presidential Scholars program. In addition to earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT college entrance exam, Harris placed second in the state on the 2018 National Spanish Exam. He currently serves as Chapel Prefect, plays in the Dunham Jazz Band, runs varsity cross country and is a member of Dunham’s Institute of Leadership. Parker's college acceptances thus far include LSU, University of Georgia, Baylor University, University of North Carolina and University of Virginia. He plans to pursue a major in political science.

Luke Russell, the son of Julie and Cliff Russell, also earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT and is a candidate for the prestigious U.S Presidential Scholars program, as well as and AP Scholar® with Honor. Enrolled at Dunham since the fourth grade, he currently serves as the School Pride Prefect; is a member of the Institute of Leadership; is a member of the varsity football, cross country and soccer teams; and has appeared in several Dunham theater productions including You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown; You Can’t Take It With You; and Legally Blonde: The Musical. Luke, whose college acceptances thus far include Texas A&M, Auburn, LSU, and Baylor, plans to study mechanical engineering.

According the the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, approximately 7500 Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.