Cold Spring Harbor CSD announces National Merit Semifinalist

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Program have selected Cold Spring Harbor High School senior Caitlin M. Roberts as a 2022 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. This prestigious honor is awarded to students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

“Having a student named a National Merit Semifinalist is a source of pride for the Cold Spring Harbor community,” Superintendent of Schools Jill Gierasch said. “This prestigious honor is truly special and Ms. Roberts is most deserving as she is not only an exceptional student, but she has a myriad of interests.”

Roberts, who moved to the United States with her family from England when she was seven years old, excels beyond the classroom. She is a recognized AP Scholar with Distinction, plays violin in the high school’s symphony and pit orchestra, is a member of the Marine Bio, Computer Science and Robotics clubs and an inducted member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and Tri-M Music honor Society. She is also an accomplished gymnast performing at the highest level.

Roberts entered the competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test which served as an initial screening of program entrants. Nationwide, semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. There are approximately 16,000 semifinalists of which 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level where they will compete to earn National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million.

To become a finalist in the 67^th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, the semifinalist must submit a detailed scholarship application including an outstanding academic record throughout high school, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership skills, employment, and a list of honors and awards received. The semifinalist must be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm earlier performance on the qualifying test. Semifinalists advancing to the finalist level will be announced in February 2022. The National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in spring 2022.

The Cold Spring Harbor Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Jill Gierasch, Cold Spring Harbor High School Principal Dan Danbusky, administrators and staff congratulate Caitlin M. Roberts on her prestigious academic achievement and wish her continued success in the competition.

Phot caption: Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation have named Cold Spring Harbor High School senior Caitlin M. Roberts a semifinalist in the 67^th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Photo courtesy of the Cold Spring Harbor CSD

____________________________________________________________________________