Foxcroft School's Andeulazia Hughes-Murdock has been named an "Outstanding Participant" in the National Achievement Scholarship competition, Head of School Mary Louis Leipheimer announced recently.

A senior from Chantilly, VA, Hughes-Murdock scored in the top three percent of the more than 160,000 Black American high school students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in October 2012. The names of these academically-talented students – only 3,100 nationwide -- have been referred to colleges and universities across the United States.

The National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding Black American high school students. Students may enter both the National Achievement Program and the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and meeting other requirements for participation. The two annual programs are conducted concurrently but operated and funded separately with a student's standing determined independently in each program.

An outstanding scholar, Hughes-Murdock attended the highly selective Summer Language Institute for Arabic last summer at the Foreign Service Language Academy at the University of North Georgia. She plays varsity softball and volleyball and serves as a "Dean's Prefect" in the Currier Library on campus.

Andeulazia is the daughter of Michelle Hughes of Chantilly, VA, and Jason Murdock of Baltimore.

"The Summer Language Institute at FSLA was one of the most memorable experiences of my life," says Hughes-Murdock. "I was surrounded by bright kids who were just as passionate about languages and their respective cultures as I am. I am more than pleased with my choice to study Arabic for the duration of 6 weeks because of the language's importance in the modern world."

A three-week program, FSLA immerses participants in a foreign language and culture. Students attend classes will be taught by foreign language teachers possessing native or near native proficiency, participate in a physical fitness component designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, and explore career opportunities with guest speakers from the US Department of State, FBI, CIA, Army or Homeland Security and the like.

The course seeks to give youngsters a solid understanding of the fundamentals of their chosen language of study, a grasp of general cultural norms, and a jump start in preparing for college-level foreign language or international affairs education leading toward a potential career in federal service.