Commack National Merit Semifinalists

Story & photo by Brenda Lentsch

Three academically talented Commack High School seniors earned the rank of Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scott Massa, Amanda Weiss, and Chantel Yang will compete for one of the $2,500  scholarships awarded in the spring to National Merit Finalists.

Semifinalists are chosen based on the scores they received on the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), taken in 11th grade. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represent less than on percent of all U.S. high school seniors. Each candidate then must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes his/her academic record, school and community participation/volunteer information, demonstrated leadership roles, employment, and honors/awards received. Candidates must also be endorsed by a high school official, submit an essay, and earn high SAT scores. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April, 2015.

In photo, from left to right: Dr. Adele Pecora, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Jonathon Macaluso, Director of Guidance, Commack High School’s Semifinalists Chantel Yang, Amanda Weiss, and Scott Massa, Catherine Nolan, Principal, and Dr. Donald James, Superintendent, Commack Schools.