EGHS Announces 10 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

The Principal, Michael J. Podraza, of East Greenwich High School formally announced today the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and Commended Students.

Semifinalists in the 2019 National MeritⓇ Scholarship Program

Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalist in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit ScholarshipⓇ award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalist are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit ScholarⓇ title.

East Greenwich High School’s Semifinalists are Samantha C. Caterson, Zadoc Gee, Owen T. Petito, Thomas V. Purcell, Riya Sen, Lauren E. Shanos, Jack Silverman, Petranea E. Smith, Ari S. Vilker, David L. Wang. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalists’ academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SATⓇ scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation.  All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists.  Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

“We are very proud of all of this year’s semifinalists” said Principal Michael Podraza. “They are collectively and individually, wonderful exemplars of students who have achieved academic and personal successes through hard work, dedication and a commitment to learning. We wish them the best of luck as they look to advance to the next round of the National Merit competition.”