National Merit Commended Students Ellie Richardson ’27 and Indira Hartke ’27
Hampton Roads Academy is honored to congratulate seniors Indira Hartke ’27 and Ellie Richardson ’27, who were recently named National Merit Commended Students.
This prestigious recognition is awarded annually by the nonprofit National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) to exceptional high school seniors across the country based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Beyond the results of a single assessment, Hartke’s and Richardson’s designation as Commended Students underscores their commitment to their studies within a rigorous, enriching, and well-rounded college-preparatory curriculum.
As Assistant Head of School and Director of Upper School Ben Rous explained, “Their performance on the PSAT puts them in the top 3% of the roughly 1.2 million students who took the test last fall, a significant achievement and a testament to their hard work and diligence as students. This accomplishment reflects not only Ellie and Indira’s dedication and excellence, but also the commitment of Hampton Roads Academy to fostering academic distinction and inspiring future scholars.”
For the two seniors, both HRA Anchors who have attended the Academy since Pre-Kindergarten, recognition by the National Merit Scholarship Program marks the latest in a long series of outstanding achievements.
Hartke, the senior class president, is as dedicated to co-curricular involvement as she is to her work in the classroom. She is the captain of the varsity girls tennis team and a member of the varsity girls soccer team, and she serves as president of HRA’s Varsity Club, Women in STEM and Engineering (WISE) Group, and Operation Smile Club. An aspiring physician, she participated in a highly selective international surgical program in Honduras with Operation Smile this past May. Over the summer, she gained further hands-on experience in her chosen field by shadowing surgeons at the University of Virginia and Bon Secours through HRA’s REACH Initiative. Alongside medical practice, Hartke has a strong interest in scientific research. In the past year, she earned BACE (Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam) certification, a credential equipping her to work professionally in the biotech industry, and she presented her independent research on the ecological role of green algae at the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) Symposium at Hampden-Sydney College. HRA recognized Hartke in 2026 with the AP Chemistry Award and the Princeton Book Award.
Like Hartke, Richardson has set herself apart through a wide array of activities both on and off campus. She holds a number of leadership roles, including co-chair of HRA’s Honor Council, president of the National Art Honor Society and regional Youth Volunteer Corps, and manager of the Navigator Athletics concession stand. In summer 2026, she proudly represented the Academy in the American Legion Auxiliary’s Virginia Girls State program. Previously, as a sophomore, she was nominated by the faculty of HRA to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, returning the following year as a junior counselor. A talented writer, Richardson has contributed to SO Free Teen magazine, earned the top prize in the writing portion of the 24th Annual Jewish Peninsula Holocaust Writing and Visual Arts Competition, and attended the Virginia Governor’s School for the Humanities. She is also active in school sports, as a valued member of the varsity girls field hockey and track and field teams. At HRA, her recent accolades include the 2026 Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award and the prestigious Head of School Junior Honors Award.
Presented with their Letters of Commendation during Upper School Homeroom on Thursday, September 24, Hartke and Richardson have carried on HRA’s long-running tradition of distinction through the National Merit Scholarship Program. During the previous school year, one fifth of the entire senior class was recognized by the NMSC, including two National Merit Scholarship winners. With their latest honors, Hartke and Richardson have cemented their place in the legacy of excellence that defines HRA.
