PCHS Bulletin - Amelia Capellan
Reagan Lesser, a senior at Parrish Community High School, has recently been recognized as a Commended Student in 2024 for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This was based off her 11th Grade PSAT scores and recognition of her exceptionable ability and potential for academic success.
The NMSC uses the PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores as a screening of about 1.3 million program entrants for the 2024 Selection Index for students who meet entry requirements and will be considered for the 2026 program. In September 2025, about 34,000 high scorers will be designated Commended Students. NMSC honors these students by sending them Letters of Commendation through their schools. These students do not continue in the competition for scholarships but may be candidates for Special Scholarships offered by sponsors.
Reagan’s main hobby is band. She is part of the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble at PCHS and has auditioned for top bands around Florida such as All State and Gulf Coast Honor bands for the last 2 years. Reagan has also been a section leader for the PCHS' Marching Band for the 3 of the 4 years she has participated. She is also a member of Tri-M, National Honors Society, and has played in the pit orchestra for school musicals for the last 2 years.
Her passion for music has inspired her to study music in the future. She has set goals for what other accomplishments she would like to obtain in the future. “After high school I wish to pursue music education at either Stetson University or Florida State University and spread the love of music to future generations.”
Reagan has also set academic goals for herself that she hopes to achieve. “My next academic goal that I hope to achieve is to maintain at the top of my class and graduate in the top 4%.”
Reagan is proud of her accomplishment of being recognized as a Commended Student for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It took great effort and much determination, but feels very rewarding. “I feel great about being recognized for this achievement. It’s been a lot of hard work and studying throughout the years that I have built up for me to be able to achieve this.”
She does wish to apply for other scholarships and engage in the opportunities that come her way. “I’ve applied to every opportunity that has come up for me, and I hope to apply to some music competitions too.”
