Judge Memorial Catholic High School student named National Merit Scholar

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SALT LAKE CITY — Corrine Higgins, 17, a Judge Memorial Catholic High School senior who graduated May 18, has received a $2,500 National Merit scholarship. Corrine is one of 2,500 Merit Scholar designees and one of 28 Utahns chosen from more than 15,000 finalists in the nationwide 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

“National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies,” according to a May 7 National Merit Scholarship Corporation press release.

“I’m incredibly honored,” Corrine said of the scholarship. “I kind of don’t know how I got it; I think I just got lucky on the test. I’m super honored and super grateful for the college counselors and teachers for helping us with all of that, preparing us for that.”

Before starting college early next year, Corrine plans to travel to Ecuador, Argentina and Chile. In Ecuador she will attend a 10-week Spanish merchant school, followed by six weeks working at an Argentinian ski resort. She will finish up her time abroad at a National Outdoor Leadership School course in Chile. In February she will enter Middlebury College in Vermont, where she intends to study environmental policy and statistics. She hopes to become an environmental lawyer.

“I know a lot of people that went to Middlebury,” she said. “They’re all incredible people, and I’ve seen them build an incredible community around them, and I’m lucky enough to be part of that community, and I want to go to school with people that are like them.”

A track runner and mountain biker for Judge, Corrine was named Best Student Athlete this year. She is also ranked internationally in ski mountaineering.

“Corrine is an amazing student who not only excels in academics but is an outstanding athlete and a strong contributor to The Bulldog Press publication,” Vice Principal Louise Hendrickson said. “Corrine is also seen as a leader amongst peers and was voted ‘Most Inspirational’ by her class. I am excited to see where Corrine’s next journey takes her. She is someone who is capable of great things.”

Two other Judge seniors were named finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program: Kira Grantz and Alexander Varra. Kira was valedictorian of this year’s graduating class.

The scholarship recipients were chosen by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors who considered their academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.