October 3, 2025 — When Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS) senior Marcus McCullough heard his name called out of math class one September morning, he didn’t expect the news that followed. His school counselor, Dr. Drew Milligan, greeted him with a smile and asked, “Have you heard the news? You’re a semifinalist!”
Just like that, McCullough joined one of the most elite academic groups in the nation. He was named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, placing him among the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide who excelled on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). When the recognition finally arrived, the moment was sweeter than he expected.
“For it to actually happen, it feels a lot better than I thought it was going to feel,” McCullough said.
The recognition represents years of determination, focus, and an unwavering commitment to his academics.
“The recognition represents [McCullough’s] larger achievements but also the important work he has put in each day throughout the last four years and beyond,” Dr. Milligan said.
McCullough first learned about the National Merit process as a sophomore, when he sat next to a past semifinalist in class. That student went on to become a finalist in the running for the National Merit Scholarship. Listening to his classmate describe the experience lit a spark.
“That’s something I want to go for,” McCullough remembered thinking.
From then on, his test prep had a clear purpose.
“Sophomore year I knew, like looking at my PSAT scores, seeing his and hearing that he was a semifinalist, I said, I want to go for that,” he said. “Prepping for the SAT and PSAT, that was always in my mind.”
McCullough has never been content with doing the bare minimum. He describes himself as someone who gives 100 percent to every assignment.
“I can’t sit down and do something halfway. I need to do the whole thing and make sure it’s to my own standards,” McCullough explained.
That persistence has carried him from his early days in Columbus City Schools’ gifted program through his four years at CAHS, where he is pursuing the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
McCullough himself remains humble, offering advice to peers who may be intimidated by high-stakes tests.
“I don’t think I’m the smartest person in the District,” McCullough said. “With me, I don’t really let the nerves get to me. I know what I’m capable of and whatever I score is what I’m going to score. That’s a big thing, just knowing deep down, it’s okay.”
McCullough adds a simple but powerful piece of wisdom.
“You really shouldn’t let things weigh down on you very much,” he said. “Just focus on you. Do what you can and it’s going to be okay. Not everything’s going to be perfect, and that’s acceptable. No one is perfect, and no one has to be.”
McCullough continues to prove what is possible for CCS students. His journey is not only a personal triumph, but also a celebration of what can be achieved with strong support, opportunity, and perseverance.
“[Marcus] demonstrates excellence on many levels,” Dr. Milligan said. “He is very special to us, and we are proud of him. We are excited to see how he will impact his next school.”
