Port Jefferson Student Makes National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinals

The Port Jefferson School District announced that Earl L. Vandermeulen High School senior Zachary Graziano has become a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.

“Zachary is a multi-talented student who excels in all academic areas,” said Graziano’s science teacher and Science Olympiad coach Michel Krivosta. “He has a very outgoing personality and loves to be with people. He is a natural leader.”

Zachary is one of the top students on the High School Science Olympiad Team and has won numerous medals at competitions. He is also captain of the Academic Team.

The National Merit website says that semifinalists will compete for one of 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million offered next spring. Semifinalists who have advanced to finalist standing by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements will be notified this coming February.

The National Merit Scholarship corporation was established in 1955 and since that time has recognized 2.9 million students and provided over 360,000 scholarships worth more than $1.4 billion, according to its website.

Port Jefferson previously had two National Merit Scholarship winners. Each received a $2,500 scholarship.