Nakano Twins Named National Merit Scholars

Indian Springs seniors and twins Mayu Nakano ’23 and Yuji Nakano ’23 have been named National Merit Scholars. Both students receive a $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to the college of their choice. 

The duo was among the nine Indian Springs seniors named 2023 National Merit Finalists. They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors based on their academic records, standardized test scores, contributions and leadership skills at Indian Springs, community activities, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. Winners are candidates judged to have the most robust combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Mayu was named a Semi-Finalist in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She recently won first place in the Medicine and Health Sciences Division and third overall in the 2023 Alabama Junior Academy of Science competition for her ongoing research on brain tumors. Mayu scored a perfect 36 on the ACT and was a Grand Award winner at the 2022 Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair. In addition, she has played the piano since age five and practices Kendo, a form of martial arts. Mayu plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall, majoring in brain & cognitive sciences with a minor in literature. 

Yuji is an AP scholar and leads the physics team at Indian Springs School. He has been part of award-winning teams that competed in science olympiad and math club contests. Yuji has won awards at the annual state French convention for the past four years and was co-head of the Asian culture club. He also plays piano and, like Mayu, practices Kendo. Yuji plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the fall and study neuroscience. 

Congratulations, Mayu and Yuji!