Schools

3 Hen Hud Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Fiona Ewing, Marcia Silber and Amy White, have advanced as semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

 

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Montrose, NY— The Hendrick Hudson School District is pleased to announce that seniors Fiona Ewing, Marcia Silber and Amy White have advanced as semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

 “These three young ladies are exceptional  individuals,” James Mackin, principal of Hendrick Hudson High School. “From the beginning of their high school careers, these ladies have demonstrated remarkable commitment and  dedication to their academic pursuits while maintaining the highest standards in athletics and the arts.”

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As students, these ladies have a remarkably diverse academic portfolio. Ewing, who aspires to be a journalist, is the editor of the high school newspaper and is a member of the school’s National Art Honor Society. Throughout her academic career Ewing has found her “…love for learning and a belief that anything is possible when you put your full self into it,” has helped her to achieve her goals and  has driven her academic success. 

Silber, who loves math and hopes to attend the University of California Berkley in the fall, has been in the orchestra since fourth grade playing the viola and is currently the captain of the Hendrick Hudson High School Cross Country team. Silber credits her coach and teacher Marsha Bailey as being one of her biggest role models in the Hen Hud community.

When asked about her greatest motivator for academic success, Silber said, “I believe if I work hard now and apply myself now, I’ll be able to enjoy life more later on.”

White, an avid tennis player and accomplished pianist and violinist, spoke about competing not against her classmates but against herself in her academic pursuits.

“I wanted to see what my full potential was and if I could reach it,” White said.

In a piece of sage advice to her underclassmen trying to achieve their goals, she recommends they “…always stay focused and have goals to work toward.”

"These students represent some of the best of the Hen Hud community,” remarked Interim Superintendent of Schools Brian Monahan.

“We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and wish them and their families congratulations on this great honor,” Monahan said.

Said Mackin: “This is a great honor for our high school and our community. These ladies have worked hard and I am excited to see them honored for their commitment toward academic excellence.”

According to a press release from the National Merit Scholarship Program, “These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 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 Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.”


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