Two Half Hollow Hills Students Win $2,500 National Merit Scholarships

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District is proud to announce that High School East seniors Téa Shouldice and Noah Berlin have each been awarded $2,500 in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. The $2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talented pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

"We are incredibly proud of Téa Shouldice and Noah Berlin for earning National Merit Scholarships in this year’s competition," said John O’Farrell, Deputy Superintendent and incoming Superintendent of Schools. "Their achievement reflects the strong academic foundation they’ve built in Half Hollow Hills, as well as their personal commitment to excellence. They are wonderful representatives of the talent and determination we strive to cultivate in all of our students."

These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

"Téa and Noah have distinguished themselves through their hard work, focus and perseverance," said Interim Superintendent Brian L. Conboy. "As someone who has worked in many exceptional districts, I can say without hesitation that their success is a testament to the strength of our students and educators here in Half Hollow Hills. This recognition is well deserved."

This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program began in October 2023 when high school juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, the highest-scoring participants in each state, representing less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state-representational basis. More than 16,000 Semifinalists had an opportunity to continue in the competition.

From the Semifinalist group, over 15,000 students met the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of the 2025 program, more than 6,930 Finalists will have earned the “Merit Scholar” title and received a total of nearly $26 million in college scholarships.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was founded in 1955 specifically to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority of scholarships offered each year are underwritten by approximately 280 independent corporate and college sponsors that share NMSC’s goals of honoring scholastically talented youth and encouraging academic excellence at all levels of education.

Located in central Long Island, Half Hollow Hills Central School District serves approximately 7,200 students across five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Recognized for academic, athletic and artistic excellence, the district is committed to providing equitable opportunities and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.