Isabelle Merlin

College Choice: Vanderbilt University, Early Decision

This senior is both a natural leader and performer and these roles have served her very well. Isabelle Merlin wrote, “My leadership and involvement in Student Council (instilling honor, fairness, justice, and respect into my morals), performing arts (pushing me outside of my comfort zone), and other clubs (encouraging me to pursue my other interests) serve as a testament to this. It is through these experiences that I have grown as an individual and developed both passions and values that I hope to carry with me beyond the gates.”

With leading roles in the last several Upper School musicals and serving as Student Council President, as well as completing a senior mentorship on Making an Impact: Exploring Concision and Creativity Through Data Visualization, it is clear that Isabelle Merlin is a true McGehee Leading Woman.

Of her 14+ years here, Isabelle wrote, “McGehee has done so much for me in terms of preparing me for my future. Our close knit, small community created an environment with numerous opportunities that may not have been available in a larger community.” As an example, she started a school STEM/STEAM Speaker Series, serving as Founder and President. Her purpose was to create a student-led program that partnered with McGehee’s Alumnae Association to bring STEM/STEAM focused alumnae to campus to share their experiences, career realities, and their educational paths, thereby encouraging and educating her peers on a diverse range of potential career paths.

Isabelle thanked all the faculty and chose to highlight three members in particular. “Though not a core curricular teacher, Ms. Buchtel has always served as a mentor to me–guiding me on and off the stage. The values that she has taught me—both to excel as a performer and as a person—have been pivotal. I would also like to thank Mr. Ellis, who was my math teacher from sophomore to senior year and also my mentor for my year-long study in data visualization (part of the senior mentorship program). And lastly, Ms. Fallon, who has pushed me as a student and as an individual—whether that be in 10th grade English, 12th grade Women’s History, or in my four years serving on Student Council.”

She reflected on her years here and her decision to attend Vanderbilt, where she was accepted early decision. “I can’t thank McGehee enough for the guidance and opportunities I have been given over the past 18 years. Though I have been at McGehee my whole life, considering it a second home, I am ready and prepared to move onto the next chapter. Anchor down!” About college, she stated, “Vanderbilt is a community that, while academically challenging, emphasizes collaboration over competition. When looking for a school, I knew I wanted to find somewhere that would support me in all of my interests. I have always been eager to major/minor across disciplines and want to take courses in many areas of study. Despite students being admitted into one college at Vandy, their diverse curriculum pushes you to fulfill course requirements in different fields. Immersion Vanderbilt and research opportunities also piqued my interest as they allow students to do research across all academic disciplines. In all, the diverse population and curriculum that values uniqueness drew me in—all within the heart of Nashville!”

Isabelle’s favorite, treasured McGehee tradition is graduating in pink and she will do exactly that next week.

Daughter of Elise Lapeyre Merlin '87

Grade Started at McGehee: Pre-K
Activities and Awards at McGehee: