East Penn school directors recognized dozens of student achievements at their Oct. 26 meeting, highlighted by Emmaus High School students earning National Merit Scholarship honors.

Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell and board President Shonta Ford recognized 11 Emmaus High School students who earned recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Before the meeting, the East Penn Education Association hosted a reception for the students and their families.

More than 1.3 million students nationwide took the Preliminary SAT in October 2025. Only about 50,000 students, or roughly 4% of test takers, earned National Merit recognition as either commended students or semifinalists.

Emmaus High School’s nine commended students are Justin Chan, Danica M. Dela Cruz, Zining Fan, Ian C. Hoenscheid, Carson L. Mosel, Meenapriya Muthiah, Chris Stone, Blake H. Tillinghast and Benjamin M. Wilks.

Two Emmaus students, Justin Chan and Meenapriya Muthiah, were named National Merit semifinalists, placing them among the nation’s top-performing students. Semifinalists are eligible to compete for National Merit scholarships in spring 2027.

“Schools having one student recognized as a semifinalist is an accomplishment. Emmaus High School has two,” Campbell said.

Campbell also credited the students’ families and supporters, saying their encouragement has been pivotal to the students’ success.

The board also welcomed its student representatives for the 2026-27 school year. Junior Laura Kackenmeister and senior Abby Perez introduced themselves and shared updates on student activities, including homecoming events, the upcoming production of “Romeo and Juliet,” orchestra and jazz concerts, and induction ceremonies.

Campbell highlighted several additional student accomplishments, including Emmaus High School’s football team recording its 500th program victory and David Hearn winning the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference boys cross-country championship. The girls tennis team captured its first District 3A championship, while Zoey Santana won the District 3A singles title.

Campbell also recognized members of Eyer Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society following their recent induction ceremony and praised Emmaus High School students who supported John’s Room and helped improve the sensory room at Willow Lane Elementary School.

Campbell also congratulated registration and assessment specialist Wendy Crossley on her retirement after 28 years with the district.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 9 at the administration building, 800 Pine St., Emmaus.