HHI student among top 1% of high school seniors in U.S.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) – A Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) student has

been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program and is among the top 1% of high school seniors in the entire United States.

With the nomination, Christopher Nguyen, HHCA Class of 2025, will now compete for the

National Merit Finalist and then for a National Merit Scholarship, along with the

distinction of National Merit Scholar. National Merit Scholarships worth nearly

$26 million will be awarded in Spring 2025.

Nguyen’s high school resume demonstrates an extraordinary academic record coupled with an

extensive list of internships, community and extracurricular activities, honors and awards. In

Spring 2024, Nguyen participated in a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) coding

program, collaborating with students to develop AI technology for the food industry.

HHCA Mentor Dan Harrington was asked about his experience teaching Nguyen. “I have been

teaching AP Chemistry for the past 24 years and have been blessed with many bright students,

but I have never had a student as gifted as Christopher. He challenges even the most

knowledgeable teachers with questions that make them learn their subject better than they already know it. I would also say that Chris is one of the nicest and most giving people that I

have had the pleasure to know.”

Nguyen also completed internships with the Medical University of South Carolina, one

of which was with the Bioengineering Department to help develop a model that predicts issues

with the temporomandibular joint.

He also worked as a Data Research Analyst alongside a team of researchers who performed a systematic review of hundreds of research papers on pediatric laryngomalacia. With this team, he co-authored a research paper published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.

Throughout high school, Nguyen has taken a rigorous course load of honors, dual enrollment

and AP courses, earning the highest score (5) on all AP tests. Already the recipient of seven (7)

College Scholar Awards, including the Harvard Book Award (11th grade), Nguyen has also

received the Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award for three (3) consecutive years, logging over 150

hours of service to the Lowcountry community during the 2023-2024 school year.

Nguyen’s impact outside the classroom has also been extensive with involvement in Fine Arts (Saxophone Quartet/Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Musical Theater), Athletics (State Championship Golf Team Member). He is a Palmetto Boys State Delegate, Model UN participant, Debate Club Founder, Academic World Quest Team Captain, and more.

A founding member of the school’s VEX Robotics Competition Team, Nguyen has served as team

manager and lead builder for three consecutive years, earning the team several awards

including Judges Award (2022, 2023) and a Design Award in 2022. Nguyen has also participated

in HHCA’s Youth in Government (YIG) organization, earning a leadership role on the Youth

Governor’s Staff, where he helped develop and support political platforms in this state-wide

model government program.

Off-campus, Nguyen has found time to pursue his Private Pilot License, logging 40+ hours to

date flying a single-engine aircraft. He is also a Screen Actors Guild Eligible Actor, a supporting

actor in a Netflix movie, and the voice of over 75+ children’s books.

When asked about receiving the Semifinalist distinction, Nguyen said, “I am extremely honored

to be recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist. This award reflects my hard work throughout

high school, and I am thankful for my family and mentors who have helped me reach this point. I

am grateful for this opportunity to earn scholarships, represent HHCA, and make my family

proud.”

Doug Langhals, HHCA Head of School shared, “I am incredibly proud of Chris. Not only does he

work hard to achieve great academic success, but he is also an impressive young man of true

Christian character.”