Four CCS Seniors Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program

Four Chattanooga Christian School seniors have earned recognition in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Elijah Unjakoti and Jocelyn Neighbors were named Semifinalists, while Ava Miller and Jonathan Monahan were named Commended Students.

“Being recognized by the National Merit program is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence of these students,” said Abby Akridge, Director of Academic & College Counseling. “This honor is not just an indicator of their strengths in taking standardized assessments; it is the fruit of many years of labor and a reflection of their character, as evidenced by academic curiosity, hard work, and sacrifice.”

Unjakoti and Neighbors are among approximately 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide, placing them among fewer than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Approximately 34,000 students nationwide earned the Commended Student distinction, including Miller and Monahan, based on their exceptional performance on the qualifying test.

More than 1.2 million students entered this year’s National Merit Scholarship competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Semifinalists were selected based on their performance on that test and their potential for success in rigorous college studies.

To advance to the Finalist level, Unjakoti and Neighbors will complete a detailed scholarship application highlighting their academic records, leadership, involvement in school and community activities, employment, and honors. More than 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to be named Finalists in February, with approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships awarded beginning in spring 2027.

Unjakoti credits challenging coursework at CCS with helping prepare him academically.

“Taking harder classes has definitely prepared me,” Unjakoti said. “I have struggled at one point or another in my math classes, but working through those challenges has helped me grow.”

He hopes to study computer science because of his interest in programming. As he considers how he might use his abilities in the future, Unjakoti pointed to motivation as one of the most important qualities a person can bring to any pursuit.

“I think motivation is one of the biggest factors in doing anything,” he said. “If you really want to help someone, you’ll find a way to do it.”

Neighbors credits CCS’s honors classes with preparing her for college, while emphasizing the influence of her parents. 

“I’m so grateful to be at a school where I  can grow in my faith while furthering my education,” she said. “However, my biggest influence has been that of my parents.”

She hopes to pursue a career in finance and “be an example for Christ in a field that is often fixated on personal gain.”

At CCS, academic achievement is one way students can develop and use their God-given gifts in service to others. Through challenging coursework, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to grow in faith and leadership, students are encouraged to pursue excellence while remaining rooted in their identity in Christ.

“The National Merit recognition earned by these students represents more than academic achievement,” Akridge said. “At CCS, we want our students to recognize that the gifts and abilities God has given them are meant to be stewarded for His purposes. These students are demonstrating the diligence, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence that we hope will prepare them not only to succeed academically, but to lead and serve with distinction wherever God calls them.”

“This honor also reflects on every teacher, parent or guardian, and mentor who has encouraged and challenged these students along their academic journeys,” she added.

The CCS community celebrates Unjakoti, Neighbors, Miller, and Monahan for their accomplishments and the dedication, curiosity, and perseverance they represent.