Twelve Country Day Students Recognized by the College Board; Jason Starodub `26 Named National Merit Semifinalist

Cincinnati Country Day School senior Jason Starodub was named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations are also in order for Yvannia Buten `26, Sanjay Cherukuri `26, Kate Kranias `26, and Shiva Shyam `26, who were recognized as National Merit Commended Students. In addition, seven Country Day students earned the College Board’s new School Recognition Award: Ryaan Arif `26, Gabriel Benitez `26, Jessica Chen `26, Eric Niu `27, Max Sun `27, Louie Tucker `27, and Matthew Wood `27.

“It feels nice to be recognized for all of the work that I’ve put in,” says Jason. “I’ve been working hard in and out of the classroom; to be honored by the College Board means a lot."

Jason also spoke about how well Country Day prepared him for the test.

“My math classes prepared me to solve problems quickly, while my English classes helped me with critical thinking. And both classes taught me how to work under pressure.”

Jason is currently navigating the college application process and has set his sights on attending California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, where he hopes to continue swimming while studying material science, either physics or chemistry.

“We are very proud of all these students, who have contributed to our school in so many ways – on athletic and academic teams, in theater productions, on our newspaper and student council, and in a myriad clubs,” says Sarah Beyreis, director of college counseling and external opportunities. “This is a talented bunch!”

While the awards highlight the accomplishments of individual students, they also speak to the culture of academic excellence across the Upper School.

“This achievement highlights the strength of our entire school community,” says Jon Zeljo, head of Upper School. “These students have worked diligently, and their success is also a testament to the dedicated teachers and supportive community members who have guided them. Together, we celebrate this remarkable honor.”

National Merit Semifinalists have the opportunity to advance in the competition for more than 7,000 scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered this spring. To become a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, maintain an outstanding academic record, and earn the recommendation of a school official. Commended Students, while not continuing in the scholarship competition, are recognized for placing among the top 34,000 students nationwide.

The School Recognition Award, introduced in 2025, celebrates students who demonstrate academic excellence within their school community. To qualify, students must rank among the top 10% of their school’s test takers on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 and/or earn a score of 3 or higher on at least two AP exams by 10th grade. The award recognizes students from schools of all sizes and backgrounds, helping colleges connect with talented students across the country.

For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.

Photo (top row left to right): Shiva Shyam `26 (Mason), Yvannia Buten `26 (Mount Lookout), Jason Starodub `26 (Liberty Township), Max Sun `27 (Mason), Gabriel Benitez `26 (Loveland), Ryaan Arif `26 (Mason), Sanjay Cherukuri `26 (Mason); bottom row (left to right): Kate Kranias `26 (Indian Hill); Jessica Chen `26 (Milford), Matthew Wood `27 (Milford), Louie Tucker `27 (Mount Washington), Eric Niu `27 (Indian Hill)