Eight high school students from the Archdiocese of Newark have been named semifinalists for the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Alessandra E. Boncaldo, Julianna G. Dail and Sophia S. Lee of Demarest Academy of the Holy Angels; Brian Song and Daniel Song of Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell; Thomas MacDougall of Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey; and Gavin R. Gerstenbluth and Jean Oh of St. Peter’s Preparatory High School in Jersey City were selected based on their “outstanding scores” on the PSAT/NMSQT, placing them in the top 1 percent of more than 1.3 million students. high school students nationwide.

As semifinalists, these students are now in the running to win a share of the nearly $26 million in scholarships that will be awarded to teens across the United States next year. To become a finalist, they must maintain an exceptional academic record, obtain approval from a school official, write an essay, and submit SAT or ACT scores to confirm their PSAT/NMSQT performance. Approximately 95% of semifinalists are expected to become finalists, approximately half of whom will be named Merit Scholars.

Barbara Dolan, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, congratulated the students on their accomplishments, saying, “The students’ commitment to their studies, as well as their leadership and community involvement, reflect the spirit of excellence and service of Catholic schools. we strive to feed our students. We wish these students continued success as they advance through the National Merit Scholarship process and prepare for their postsecondary education.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will announce Merit Scholars in April, who will receive one of three scholarships: a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, a Business-Sponsored Merit Scholarship, or a College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship .

In addition to the eight semifinalists, dozens of archdiocesan Catholic school students were recognized as Recommended Scholars for scoring in the top 3-4 percent on the PSAT/NMSQT, receiving a letter of congratulations from NMSC in recognition of their academic promise.

* * *

Submit Essex County community news to [email protected].

———

Generative AI was used to produce a first draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.