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The 19 students who make up 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s graduating class of 2026 have achieved a tremendous milestone, earning a combined total of $6,538,612 in merit scholarships across 78 individual awards. This remarkable accomplishment reflects both the academic strength of the student body and the depth of support available to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students.

“The tremendous success of this year’s graduating class exemplifies what is possible when talented young women are challenged, supported, and encouraged to pursue their dreams with confidence,” said Kris Porazzi Sorrells, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Head of School. “The $6.5 million in merit scholarships earned by our seniors is a testament not only to their academic achievement, but also to their character and commitment. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the contributions they will make in the future.”

Each of the Academy’s 19 seniors received a merit scholarship. They will attend colleges and universities across 10 states, and two students will pursue their education internationally at universities in Canada and Ireland. Particularly notable acceptances include: American University, Boston University, Colorado College, Denison University, George Washington University, Howard University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, NC State, Purdue University, Rochester Institute of Technology, SCAD, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Southern California, Villanova University, Virginia Tech, and University College Cork.

“The accomplishments of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s class of 2026 reflect the power of a Salem education,” said Interim President Gary Daynes. “They have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. The merit scholarships they have earned are a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and potential. We are confident they will continue to lead with purpose and integrity, carrying forward Salem’s tradition of empowering women to shape a better future.”

As they prepare to begin their college journeys, members of the Class of 2026 are leaving 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ with a strong academic foundation. Their accomplishments are a testament to the Academy’s 254-year commitment to fostering compassionate and creative leaders who are well-prepared for college and life and who lead with character, curiosity, and courage. Interested families are invited to register for a virtual open house or schedule a visit to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ campus.

About 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is the nation’s oldest educational institution for girls in the United States, exclusive to girls in grades 9-12. Educating girls since 1772, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ fosters compassionate and creative leaders, prepared for college and life, who chart their paths with character, curiosity, and courage. NICHE ranked 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as the #1 Best Boarding High School in North Carolina, the #1 Best High School for STEM Education in Forsyth County, and among the top 6% of private high schools in the US.

News Media Contact:
Caroline Garza
Communications Coordinator
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and College
caroline.garza@salem.edu

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