Students from Archdiocese of Newark named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has named more than 16,000 semifinalists in its 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Several academically talented students from Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Newark are among them. These students will now compete for about 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $26 million, to be awarded in the spring of 2025.
The Archdiocese proudly recognizes the following students: Alessandra E. Boncaldo, Julianna G. Dail and Sophia S. Lee from the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest; Brian Song and Daniel Song from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell; Thomas MacDougall from Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey; and Gavin R. Gerstenbluth and Jean Oh from St. Peter’s Preparatory High School in Jersey City. These students have excelled academically and demonstrated leadership, reflecting the strength of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Newark.
These students will now complete the requirements to advance to the finalist level. About 95% of semifinalists are expected to become finalists, with roughly half earning the title of Merit Scholar. This accomplishment underscores the Archdiocese’s commitment to academic excellence.
“We congratulate these students on being named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists,” said Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark. “The students’ commitment to their academic pursuits, as well as their leadership and community involvement, reflect the spirit of excellence and service Catholic schools strive to nurture in our students. We wish these students continued success as they move forward in the National Merit Scholarship process and prepare for their post-secondary education.”
Dozens of students from across the Archdiocese of Newark have also been recognized as Commended Scholars by the NMSC. The NMSC has not released a complete list of commended scholars. A Commended Scholar is a student who scored highly on the PSAT/NMSQT but did not meet the cutoff to advance as a semifinalist. Commended Scholars typically rank in the top 3-4% of test-takers nationwide and receive a letter of commendation from NMSC in recognition of their academic promise. However, they do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships.
Founded in 1955, NMSC is a not-for-profit organization that honors academic champions and promotes scholastic excellence. It operates without government assistance. Scholarships are funded by NMSC and nearly 280 business organizations, higher education institutions, and donors who support talented young students.
More than 1.3 million high school juniors entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT in 2023. Less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors achieved semifinalist status, representing the highest-scoring students in each state. The number of semifinalists in each state is proportional to the state’s share of the national graduating class.
To advance as finalists, semifinalists must maintain an outstanding academic record, receive an endorsement from a school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that validate their PSAT performance. Finalists are judged on academic success, school and community involvement, leadership, and potential for success in college.
Semifinalists from Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools will compete for three types of scholarships: 2,500 National Merit $2500 Scholarships awarded by state, 770 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships, and 3,600 college-sponsored Merit Scholarships for students attending sponsoring institutions.
Winners of the 2025 National Merit Scholarships will be announced starting in April. They will join more than 382,000 scholars who have earned the title since the program began.
(Photo courtesy of the Academy of the Holy Angels)
(Photo courtesy of the Academy of the Holy Angels)
(Photo courtesy of St. Peter’s Preparatory High School)
(Photo courtesy of St. Peter’s Preparatory High School)
Featured image: Thomas MacDougall (far left) of Don Bosco Preparatory High School was named a semifinalist for the 70th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Additionally, five other Don Bosco Prep students were named commended scholars. (Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Preparatory High School)
