Local
Local students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

By Pilot Staff
Posted: 9/12/2014

BRAINTREE -- Nine students from schools in the Archdiocese of Boston were announced, Sept. 10, as National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships begun in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program, run by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, by taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

Approximately 1.4 million juniors applied for the program this year, and less than one percent of high school seniors qualified to become semifinalists. The finalists, who will be announced in February, will go on to compete for a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, of which there are 2,500 available.

In addition, corporations, colleges, and universities will also sponsor about 5,100 Merit Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded in spring/summer 2015. Merit scholars are chosen based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The National Merit Scholarship semifinalists are:

-- Andrew E. Kern, Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood

-- Paul J. LeBlanc, Boston College High School, Dorchester

-- Kevin E. MacDonald, Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood

-- Emily F. Martland, Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Newton

-- Connor B. Murphy, Boston College High School, Dorchester

-- Faraaz Nadeem, Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood

-- Christina N. Neckermann, Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Newton

-- Samantha J. Tyler, Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Newton

-- Tyler C. Wiik, St. Sebastian's School, Needham.