Cori Allen can now reap the benefits from her hard work.

The Free State high School senior earlier this week was named a National Merit Scholar and awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

“At that point I was proud to be touted among such a small number of students,” Allen said.

Allen, who has attended Raintree Montessori School, Bishop Seabury Academy, Southwest Junior High School and Free State, said she has benefited from learning from several “incredible teachers.”

The daughter of David and Lisa Allen plans to attend Babson College in Massachusetts this fall to study entrepreneurship.

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. will name more winners in May and July. Lawrence had 20 finalists, and four other students have also already won scholarships.