Ten students representing four Archdiocesan high schools throughout the five-county region were recently recognized by the National Merit® Scholarship Corporation. One of the students is a Semifinalist and nine are Commended Scholars in the 2023 National Merit® Scholarship Program.
The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year.
The nine Commended Students receive a Letter of Commendation from their individual high school and the National Merit® Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program. The letter will be presented by the local high school principal to each of the seniors being recognized in this category.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, some of these students become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.
One Archdiocesan student is among the approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Semifinalists have the opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $28 million that will be offered in spring 2023.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalists along with their high school must submit a scholarship application detailing the individual students’ academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. Semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s previous performance on their qualifying test.
Ms. Nancy Kurtz, Interim Superintendent for Secondary Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said, “On behalf of my colleagues in the Office of Catholic Education and our partners in Catholic education, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our young scholars for their hard work and achievement in being recognized as a Semifinalist and as Commended Scholars in the National Merit® Scholarship Program.” She continued, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students as well as all who provide guidance on their educational path including their families, teachers, and administrators.”
Archbishop Wood High School
Daniel L. Romano
Rohan Rathod
Bishop Shanahan High School
William Kolimago
Brendan Scott
Jocelyn Howell
Matthew Howe
Michael Dougherty
Cardinal O’Hara High School
Noah Sharrets
Raymond Brandon
Lansdale Catholic High School
Harry Davies
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Editor’s Note:
For additional information on the National Merit® Scholarship Program, please visit NMSC website.
For more information on Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit aopcatholicschools.org/.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747