44°
MONTROSE, N.Y. Three Hendrick Hudson High School seniors have advanced to the semifinal round for a National Merit Scholarship.
The three students are members of a group of 16,000 young people from around the country. Semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state out of nearly 1.5 million who take the Preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test each year, according to a National Merti Scholarship Program.
National Merit Scholarships can come in three forms, but the most commonly awarded is a single-payment $2,500 scholarship paid directly toward the tuitionat the school of the student's choice.
"I wanted to see what my full potential was, and if I could reach it," said semifinalist Fiona Ewing. Ewing is an avid tennis player, pianist and violinist.
Ewing recommends to younger counterparts that they "always stay focused and have goals to work toward.
Amy White and Maia Silber also have diverse academic portfolios.
Silber is editor of the school newspaper, The Anchor, and aspires to be a journalist. She also is a member of the high school's National Art Honor Society, and said, "Love for learning and a belief that anything is possible when you put your full self into it" helped her achieve her goals.
White, who loves math and hopes to attend the University of California at Berkeley, has played viola in orchestra since fourth grade and is captain of the Hendrick Hudson High School cross country running team. White said coach and teacher Marcia Bailey is one of her role models at Hen Hud. Motivated by the promise of a better life, White said, I believe if I work hard now and apply myself now, Ill be able to enjoy life more later on.
This is a great honor for our high school and our community," said high school Principal James Mackin. "These ladies have worked hard and I am excited to see them honored for their commitment toward academic excellence.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Cortlandt and receive free news updates.
