Each year, more than 1.5 million juniors enter for consideration to become a National Merit Scholar. The program selects just 16,000 semifinalists out of that nationwide pool every fall, with those students representing the best in academic growth and achievement.
In all of Lake County, only six students achieved National Merit Semifinalist recognition, and three of those attend Montverde Academy. Even more notable, two of those three are on the girls cross country team.
Senior Montverde Academy student-athletes Kendyl Cardwell and Avery Morrison earned their spots on this exclusive list through exemplary academic achievements and commitment to excellence in school. Their drive to consistently improve themselves is not limited to the classroom.
"These girls are intrinsically motivated. They both are very gritty and focused," said Montverde Academy Head Cross Country Coach Lori Treweek. "A lot of kids want to be good at what they do, but Kendyl and Avery have the ability to put in the work that is required to be who they want to be and accomplish what they want to accomplish."
Outside of that academic prowess and drive to succeed, these two girls have also showcased an ability to lead that is synonymous with students of the Academy.
"They really care to encourage and lift up those around them, and that's the foundation of good leadership," said Treweek. "It speaks not just to our cross country team and the type of dedication they have for what they do, but also to the Academy and the kind of character and integrity these kids have."
While Coach Treweek would not take credit for the cohesion and comradery of this girls cross country team, their success in recent years can undoubtedly be attributed to the culture of excellence this team has embraced with her at the helm.
"Most of the girls on the team are best friends, and as a result of that, our families have become quite close," said Treweek. "We've grown up together, its just allowed for a level of closeness that you don't necessarily get to see in a lot of other sports or other teams. When positive things happen for one, everyone else is very supportive and genuinely happy for them."
