The Nationally Recognized Scholars of the Class of 2023 were honored Dec. 7 at 8:30 am. in a ceremony in the theater open to parents.
At the ceremony, 55 seniors were recognized as National Merit Scholar Semifinalists, 48 as Commended Scholars, 14 as National African American Recognition Program Scholars and 54 as National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.
Click here to view a full list of the Scholars
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national academic scholarship administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. High school students enter the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) , which serves as an initial screening of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year. Of these students, around 50,000 receive high enough scores to qualify for recognition.
Vice-President, Mrs. Leslie Wood-Laurie opened the ceremony with a speech congratulating the scholars, followed by Dr. Douglas Laurie, who emphasized the importance of recognizing the students and all of their accomplishments. “I know that you all will go off into the world and go on to accomplish great things,” he said.
Mr. Lance Kohn, one of the main teachers of the school’s National Merit Prep Program, also added a few remarks, followed by Ms. Melissa Becerra, the Upper School Principal. “I just can’t tell you how proud our school is of your accomplishments and your hard work,” she said.
Students were called to the stage individually, walking along a red carpet to receive a certificate and shake the hands of Ms. Becerra, Dr. Laurie and Mrs. Laurie.
After the ceremony, attendees were offered a breakfast of bagels, fruit and coffee on the Patriot Patio. Students and parents socialized and celebrated the occasion. Senior Jade Fajaro said, “It was really nice to see my friends get recognized for their accomplishments and to be able to congratulate their friends and family.”
