Grand River Prep Senior Earns National Merit Recognition
For Grand River Preparatory High School senior Qwynn Huisman, getting called to Principal Mike Irwin’s office isn’t something she normally expects. When she walked in, she was even more surprised to see her parents waiting there.
"My first reaction was confusion," Huisman said. "Then shock and happiness when they actually explained what was going on."
Huisman had been named a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor that recognizes strong academic promise. About 1.3 million students across the country entered the competition. About 34,000 of those students, including Huisman, were named Commended Students. That places her among roughly the top 4% of students who entered. The recognition is based on student performance on the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
Huisman said, "It feels a bit surreal to be part of such a small group of people who have received this award. At the same time, I still feel like a part of a larger community, since a lot of my peers are earning other amazing achievements."
The recognition adds to an already full high school career. Huisman holds a 4.49 GPA and is an Early College student in the Business Pathway. She is considering studying human resource management at Davenport University to complete her associate degree. She also has an interest in film production and hopes to one day work as a director of photography or cinematographer.
Outside the classroom, Huisman competes in varsity cross country and track and field, takes part in the school's theater program, and serves as a Student Ambassador and a member of the National Honor Society.
Principal Irwin highlighted that Huisamn is more than just an excellent student.
“Qwynn represents everything that is good about being a Titan. While is recognition is based on her academic abilities, she is an even better person and exemplifies all of the Moral Focus™ virtues in her day to day life.”
Huisman is quick to say success has not always come easily. One of her biggest challenges was learning how to study as her classes became more demanding.
"Throughout middle school and my early high school years, I often was able to pass classes without needing to put in much outside work," she said. "Learning how to effectively and efficiently study as I began to take more challenging classes was a struggle."
She credits teachers who saw her potential early, especially her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Wright, who encouraged her to think more deeply, explain how she solved problems, and keep challenging herself.
"She allowed me to learn and grow without feeling like I was out of place with my peers," Huisman said. "I don't think I'd be where I am today if she hadn't ingrained in me that it was OK to be different and learn differently than other people."
That lesson has stayed with her, along with advice from her cross-country coach: the person who says they can and the person who says they can't are both right.
"Your mindset determines your results," Huisman said.
Congratulations Qwynn on your much deserved achievement!
