February 13, 2019
Two Holy Cross School seniors have been named Finalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Cade Martin, son of Sean and Jenna Martin (Class of 1992), and Blake Ziegler, son of Melvin and Rebecca Ziegler (Class of 1977), have both been named National Merit Finalists. These academically talented high school seniors are among approximately 15,000 Finalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, and they will now have the opportunity to compete for one of 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered this spring.
Ziegler and Martin are not only scholars but also influential members of the Holy Cross community. Ziegler is an officer on the Student Council, Captain of the Debate Team, and Captain of the Tiger Band. Martin serves as Student Body President, Captain of the Cross Country and Track Teams, and is an all-state athlete in his respective sports. In addition, these students give back to their community through service and by volunteering as tutors and mentors to younger students.
Martin has not finalized his college selection but plans to major in biology or biochemistry and then attend medical school to become a research doctor. He also hopes to continue his running career at the college level. “Holy Cross means everything to me. Unlike every other school on Earth, Holy Cross prepares young men for all aspects of life: scholarly and otherwise. I am sure that without the unique education style of Holy Cross—the ‘whole man’ philosophy—I wouldn’t be where I stand today.”
Ziegler has not finalized his college selection, but plans to pursue a double major in political science and philosophy. He says that his Holy Cross education “has provided the opportunities, resources, and encouragement for success in all my endeavors. It has prepared me academically and spiritually for life, instilling the sense of civic duty necessary for a prosperous society. Activities such as debate, band, and the Scholars Program have left an appreciation for knowledge and others that I will cherish forever. The brotherhood at 5500 Paris Avenue truly molds boys into men, and I am eternally grateful for this experience.”
“Blake and Cade are perfect examples of Holy Cross Men. Neither gentleman rests on his academic accolades; rather, each strives to be a complete person: mind, heart, body and soul. Holy Cross School encourages young men to embrace their community to fulfill their God-given genius and to be servant leaders through participation and a commitment to excellence,” said Sean Martin, Headmaster of Holy Cross School.