2025 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students

A big congratulations to Two Rivers seniors Garrett Aukema and Izabela Carlson, who have earned the distinction of Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. This recognition highlights their exceptional abilities and strong potential for future academic success. We caught up with them to hear their thoughts on balancing high school life and their advice for current students—check out their insights in the interviews below.

Izabela Carlson

You’re being recognized for your outstanding performance on the qualifying PSAT test you took last fall – any advice for sophomore students scheduled to take it next October?

First of all, I would like to thank ISD 197 for this recognition and opportunity to share my experiences.

To prepare for any standardized test, including the PSAT, I suggest taking as many full-length practice tests as you have time for. Doing this, you can get used to the question types, learn how to ration your time, and identify any specific topics you need to study further.

As a class of 2025 senior, what impact has Two Rivers had on your future plans? Any staff or specific classes you want to identify or share about?

My Warrior Seminar class in 9th grade helped me to cement my interest in biochemistry, which has only increased as I take the upper-level science and math classes offered at Two Rivers. In addition, in an area completely opposite to science, I am grateful to my band teacher Erik Christianson for supporting and enabling me in improving my skills on the clarinet. Beginning in 9th grade when he saw that I needed a challenge and gave me the sheet music for a piece the upperclassman band was playing, Mr. Christianson has helped me to challenge myself and improve as a musician much more than I expected at the beginning of high school.

What extracurricular activities do you participate in? Have those shaped your future goals?

I participate in just about everything band-related, and was also part of the Two Rivers debate team for two years. I intend to continue playing music in college, and will maybe even pursue a degree in clarinet performance. On the other hand, thanks to the skills I have gained in debate, I feel prepared for high-level college studies.

Advice for underclassmen or even middle school students to get ready for high school and make the most of it?

You don’t know your limits until you’ve tried: High school offers so many opportunities for delving deeper into a specific area that it’s a shame to not take advantage of them. You may dislike the extracurricular you tried out or be overwhelmed by the advanced class you take, but you might also discover a thrilling new direction in your life that you may have never encountered otherwise.

How do you juggle and prioritize school etc.?

A key part of maintaining the balance between multiple advanced classes, practicing four different instruments, and still having some free time involves managing my time at school so that I come home with as little homework as possible.

Garrett Aukema

You’re being recognized for your outstanding performance on the qualifying PSAT test you took last fall – any advice for sophomore students scheduled to take it next October?

If you think you have a chance of doing really well then don't just treat it as a pre test. You should study beforehand as National Merit is a wonderful opportunity. 

As a class of 2025 senior, what impact has Two Rivers had on your future plans: 

I am planning on going to college for biochem, in large part because of AP chemistry and Mr. Heupel's amazing teaching. 

What extracurricular activities do you participate in:

I participate in nordic skiing, tennis, and jazz band. These activities have really improved my overall high school experience and introduced me to amazing communities. I highly recommend all of them. 

Advice for underclassmen or even middle school students to get ready for high school and make the most of it:

DO NOT BE SCARED TO TAKE ADVANCED CLASSES. I believe that students should push themselves, but the sad reality is that if you get stuck in a general class it's hard to do that. It is way harder than it should be to move from a general class to an advanced class, so please just try the advanced class to begin with. 

How do you juggle and prioritize school etc.? 

I just keep a mental list of all the work I have to do and if it gets overwhelming then I write it down. Honestly, the biggest part of juggling is how I spend my free time. If I find myself doom-scrolling I tend to feel gross so instead I prioritize getting my work done as that makes me feel much better.