ESHS Senior and Mizzou-bound Nick Dunker Named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist – Excelsior Citizen
Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Excelsior Springs High School senior Nick Dunker has been named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, an academic distinction earned by less than one percent of high school students across the country. He is the first ESHS student in about 20 years to receive the recognition.
The honor stems from Nick’s performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), taken by more than 1.3 million students each year. Scores from the exam determine eligibility for the National Merit program, which identifies and awards top-performing students nationwide.
Based on scores, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation identifies the highest-performing students in each state who are then eligible to compete for finalist standing and more than $25 million in scholarships.
Nick said the announcement came as a surprise, as his intention wasn’t necessarily to become a semi-finalist when taking the PSAT. Months after taking the test, his counselor, Mrs. Gilmore, entered his first-hour class with several excited staff members to share the news. “Several staff and my girlfriend took pictures of me in front of the tiger logo, and I was able to call my mom and tell her.”
Nick said his mother, Penny Dunker, has been his biggest supporter. “She’s never tried to have me reach a certain score or get a certain honor,” he said. “My mom has always encouraged me to try.”
He shared that he didn’t rely on test prep courses or study guides to reach his test score. Instead, he credits his success to being an active participant in his classes, asking questions until he fully understands a concept. That consistent engagement, he said, made the biggest difference when it came time for the PSAT.
Nick’s academic interests include science and mathematics, particularly physics. “I just love learning about the world, and the scientific method is a great way to ensure our learnings are accurate,” he said. He also enjoys mathematics for problem-solving, describing it as “a great way to model the world.”
After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia to double major in physics and mathematics before pursuing a graduate degree in theoretical physics. He aims to become a physics professor and to share his passion with future learners.
Though the recognition came unexpectedly, Nick said he now appreciates the award’s significance. Semi-finalists are eligible for competitive scholarships including a full-tuition award at the University of Missouri, where he plans to attend, and could become very helpful in propelling his studies and career forward.
Beyond the public recognition, Nick is excited to begin the next step in his journey and to always be a tiger, from elementary to college. While this was helped in part by a rare and unexpected award, it brings him one step closer to growing and sharing the knowledge he loves with others.
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Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Stephanie Vincent
