Lily Kazemi
Reporter
“It is important from time to time to [stop and]take joy in your accomplishments,” Superintendent of Schools David Abbey said as he addressed students and parents at the annual National Merit Scholarship Corporation reception, held in the Wagner Room on Tuesday November 9th.
Thirty-four seniors received recognition from the corporation, with eight students recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. These students are seniors Matthew Brady, Catherine Chiocchi, Taylor Dunstan, Brant Hoffman, Emma Hutchins, Amanda Milunovich, Jana Persky, and Nicholas Zeiss.
The other 24 students were recognized as Commended Scholars. These students are seniors Christine Anspach, Kelsey Anspach, Benjamin Charas, Christopher Dudley, Matthew Ferrucci, Henry Franco, Kimberly Glerum, James Gruseke, James Hennessy, Melanie Holec, William Hoover, Edward Hurst, Alexandra Jonker, Meredith Kelly, Stanislav Kurtukov, Peter Larson, Georgia Lathouris, Keri Lloyd, Emily Mitaro, Logan Phillips, Karl Reinhardt, Portia Schultz, Evan Shapiro, Bryant Soohoo, Benjamin Stryker, and Ellen Trinklein.
According to the corporation, approximately 20,000 schools across the country entered their students into the 2011 competition, with the only prerequisite being the completion the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT). “This honor places them in the top ranks of our school, the state and the country,” Dr. Abbey said. “Well within the top 5% of the country.”
“I’m really excited. It’s a great honor and it’s a national award,” Semifinalist Amanda Milunovich said when asked about receiving the award. Amanda, who is also a part of Model United Nations and has expressed an interest in environmental advocacy, feels her education prepared her well for taking this test. “I really credit the teachers with how well we did [as]they taught us a lot of the necessary skills,” she said.
National Merit Commendable James Hennessy also attributes his success to extracurricular activities. “Debate really helped me with my writing and reading skills,” he said. ““It’s very nice [to have won]. It wasn’t necessarily something that I was striving for, [but]I’m very happy.”
Dr. Abbey praised these students, not only for their academic accomplishments but for their ability to achieve through hard work. “The way that you have challenged yourself might be even more important than the score,” he said. “Wherever you choose to pursue your passions and dreams, don’t be afraid to go forward and ask for support.”
