Thacker, Pimienta named National Merit Scholar semifinalists at Pikeville High School

Noah Thacker and Matthew Pimienta Noah Thacker and Matthew Pimienta
Noah Thacker and Matthew Pimienta
Noah Thacker and Matthew Pimienta

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Pikeville High School has twice the reason to celebrate, as two members of the Class of 2022 have been named National Merit Scholar semifinalists.

Noah Thacker and Matthew Pimienta are among 16,000 students nationwide to receive the honor.

Thacker is the son of Summer Johnson and William Thacker. He is currently ranked first in his class and is a member of both the academic team and the PHS student council.

Pimienta is the son of Gloria and Ian Pimienta. Although he is enrolled in Pikeville High, he is currently attentind the Gatton Academy of Science and Mathematics at Western Kentucky University. He will graduate from PHS this spring and will have already completed two years of college.

Principal Brandon Blackburn says the school is proud of the two young men, saying they represent exactly what the school stands for.