Two North Shore Finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship® Program

North Shore Counseling Director, Dan Doherty said, "I am happy to report that Claire Tao and Noah Lee have been named as National Merit Finalists through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This means they are still in the running to win a National Merit Scholarship, which will be announced in late March 2024."

In September, Claire and Noah were designated Semifinalists. All Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. About 95% of the Semifinalists are expected to gain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

Principal Contreras had remarked, "We are proud of Noah and Claire on their terrific accomplishment. They are stellar members of our North Shore community. They are intellectually driven, talented musicians, multilingual leaders who bring out the best in those around them. We celebrate their recognition as National Merit Finalists.”
Director of Counseling, Mr. Dan Doherty, said, “We are so proud of Noah and Claire’s accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. Beyond their test scores, they are leaders amongst their peers, high achieving students, and accomplished musicians.”

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. It was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit® Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 440 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

Photo Caption: Article revised and photos by Shelly Newman. Information provided by the National Merit National Merit® Scholarship Program