Smithtown High Schools Celebrate Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

SMITHTOWN, NY — Students from both Smithtown high schools were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, the school district announced.

Smithtown High School West students Sierra Needham, Catalina Kreitzman, Natallie Marshall, Heng Ye and Joseph Davide; and Smithtown High School East students Daanish Bassi, Jolene Cao, Neal Cusumano and Anagh Gupta earned the honor.

Less than 1 percent of United States high school seniors are named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

"The entire high school west community is beyond proud of this incredible accomplishment," Smithtown High School West Principal Holl said in a news release. "Congratulations to this amazing group of students."

Smithtown High School East Principal Robert Rose said the honors are "just another example" of the talent of the high school's students.

"I couldn't be more excited for them."

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a nonprofit organization that awards scholarship to high school seniors annually. Semifinalists are chosen based on preliminary SAT scores.

Finalists will be chosen based on an essay written by the student, a recommendation from a high school official, and grades and SAT scores that align with the student’s PSAT score.