Maui Preparatory Academy senior Ava Merrill was recently selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She was also named a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist this fall.

NAPILI – The pursuit of excellence, ‘imi ola, is one of Maui Preparatory Academy’s 10 Commitments to Aloha, and senior Ava Merrill exemplifies that in all aspects of her life as a Maui Prep student.

Enrolling at Maui Prep at the beginning of her tenth grade year, Merrill quickly became an outstanding leader both inside and outside the classroom.

Not one to shy away from challenges, Merrill joined the cross-country team, the swim team and the tennis team, and took on leadership roles in the Student Senate, Rotary Interact Club, National Honor Society and National Arts Honor Society; all while maintaining a high enough GPA to consistently be on the Head of School’s List (4.0).

Recently selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, Merrill was chosen on the basis of her superior academic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in school and community activities.

Merrill was also named a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist this fall, one of only two from Maui County. Again, this prestigious award is given based on the student’s academic and extracurricular achievements.

Merrill’s extracurricular achievements only continue to exhibit her value of integrity, rightness and balance, or pono. In her tenth grade year, Merrill and her younger sister, Mia, founded the Coconut Project, a non-profit which sent hygiene kits to India.

The Merrill sisters not only sent a box of hand-sewn hygiene bags to India, but they had the opportunity to go and deliver the bags personally.

Merrill also serves as a junior yacht sailing instructor with Lahaina Yacht Club each summer, and this past summer, she had the opportunity to serve as a page in the Senate and was able to play an active role in the day-to-day operations of the Senate.

Merrill plans to major in economics.

Located on a scenic campus in Napili, West Maui, Maui Preparatory Academy is an independent college preparatory day school for a diverse student population from preschool through grade 12.

Maui Prep is dedicated to providing a rigorous, interdisciplinary, academic program combining arts enrichment, athletics and community service as part of its core values, and has been recognized statewide and nationally for its exceptional programs.

Maui Prep opened its doors in 2005 with 37 students in grades 6-8 and, today, has grown to more than 200 students in preschool through 12th grade.

Maui Prep’s highly trained faculty and staff work tirelessly to help students reach beyond their perceived level of ability and become outstanding world citizens.

For more information, or to schedule a campus tour, contact Liz Turcik, director of admissions, at (808) 665-9966 or lturcik@mauiprep.org, or visit www.mauiprep.org.