The Dunham School is pleased to announce that seniors Parker Harris and Luke Russell have been recognized as 2019 National Merit Scholars  by the National Merit Scholarship Program. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, approximately 7500 Finalists nationwide will be awarded a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

Harris, who plans to attend Duke University in the fall as a political science major, is the son of Jennifer and J.P. Harris. A Dunham student since the second grade, 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 served  as Chapel Prefect, plays in the Dunham Jazz Band, runs varsity cross country and is a member of Dunham’s Institute of Leadership. Harris also received college acceptances to Baylor University, Emory University, Louisiana State University, Tulane University, University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina, the University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest University.

Luke Russell, who plans to study mechanical engineering at Louisiana State University in the fall, is the  son of Julie and Cliff Russell. He also earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, is a candidate for the prestigious U.S Presidential Scholars program, and been nationally recognized as an AP Scholar® with Honor. Enrolled at Dunham since the fourth grade, he serves as the School Pride Prefect; is a member of Dunham’s  Institute of Leadership, competed on 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.  Russell also received college acceptances to Auburn University, Baylor University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Alabama.