Two students in the Central High School District have been named National Merit Semifinalists in the 2025 competition.

Kyle Park of Calhoun High School and Mark Prainito of Kennedy High School were among those who earned this distinction. 

“This remarkable achievement serves as a testament to these students’ hard work, dedication, and the outstanding support of our educators and families,” said Superintendent Michael Harrington.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The semifinalists represent the highest scoring 1% of the students nationwide who took the PSAT.

More than 16,000 students qualified as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. The semifinalists are now competing to advance to the finalist stage. They must submit a detailed application, including information about their academic record and participation in school and community activities. They also report any employment, honors and awards and demonstrated leadership abilities. 

Finalists will be notified in February 2025 and scholarship winners will be announced in the spring of 2025.

Three students in the Central High School District have been selected to participate in the NYSSMA All-State Music Festival.

The following students will travel to Rochester on Dec. 5 to participate in four days of intense rehearsals and performances.

Kennedy High School:
Samuel Klein – Symphony Orchestra (double bass)
Zara Selvin – Treble Chorus (Soprano 2)

Mepham High School:
Alana Muniz – Treble Chorus (Soprano 1)

Their teachers are Emily Kenyon, Rachel Shapiro and Christina Dimitriou.

The All-State selection process begins during the previous school year. To be considered, students must first be recommended by their music director and perform a Level 6 audition piece at the spring NYSSMA festival receiving a score of 98 or higher.

The All-State bands, choruses, orchestras and jazz ensembles are honors groups comprised of the top students from school music departments across the state. The elite groups are directed by renowned guest conductors and perform in the world-famous Eastman Theatre in Rochester during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference.

Date Added: 9/10/2024