Bullitt County Public Schools is proud to celebrate Austin Wooden, who has been named a Semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Austin is a former student of the Riverview Opportunity Center and currently attends the prestigious Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University.
This prestigious honor is awarded to less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. These academically talented students are selected based on their exceptional scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) and represent the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
Before his acceptance into the Gatton Academy, Austin's academic journey was shaped within BCPS. The district is honored to have been a part of his educational foundation.
This sentiment was echoed by Lynette Breedlove, Ph.D., Director of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. Dr. Breedlove noted that "Austin's opportunities and access to strong teachers in Bullitt County Public Schools were certainly important factors in this achievement."
Austin's recognition is a significant honor for both BCPS and the Gatton Academy, highlighting the powerful impact of strong community schools in preparing students for advanced academic opportunities.
As a Semifinalist, Austin is now eligible to advance to the Finalist level of the competition, where he will compete for National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring.
Please join us in congratulating Austin Wooden on this outstanding accomplishment. We wish him the very best as he moves forward in the competition.