Celebrating Student Success!

On Tuesday, October 22, at the upper school assembly, we honored three students who were recognized as National Merit Semifinals and three students who were recognized as National Merit Commended Students. 

The National Merit® Scholarship Program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (nmsc®), is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that was established in 1955.

Currently, over 1.3 million students in about 21,000 high schools enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program each year. Some 50,000 entrants qualify for program recognition, and approximately 7,580 outstanding students receive scholarships for college undergraduate study. The awards, valued at over $33 million, are underwritten by nmsc® with its own funds and by several hundred corporate organizations and higher education institutions.

More than 16,000 of the high scorers, representing less than 1% of the nation’s high school graduating seniors, qualify as semifinalists in each annual National Merit Program. They are the only participants who have an opportunity to advance in the competition for some 6,870 Merit Scholarship® awards. 

Indian River County had six students recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. Three of the students came from Saint Edward’s School. This is quite an accomplishment for them and our community. Again, only 1% of high school seniors achieve this recognition. I am so proud of Augie Barreirinhas, Noah Hernandez and Conor Powell. 

We also have three students who achieved National Merit Commended status, which represents only 3% of high school seniors or around 34,000 students. This is also quite an accomplishment for them and our community! Congratulations to Sienna Mallon, Max Plotkin and Jay Sullivan.

Their hard work, dedication and academic excellence have earned them this prestigious recognition. Being named a National Merit Semifinalist and National Merit Commended is a testament to their commitment to their studies and their future aspirations. We are confident that these students will continue to excel and inspire their peers as they move forward in their academic careers.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Augie, Noah, Conor, Sienna, Max and Jay, as well as offer a congratulations to their families and teachers who have supported them along the way. Their achievements reflect the high standards of education and the nurturing environment that Saint Edward’s School strives to provide.

Let us all celebrate their success and encourage Augie, Noah and Conor as they continue their journey toward becoming National Merit Finalists.

I look forward to seeing you around campus!

Stuart