Twelve Seniors Commended in National Merit Scholarship Program

The 12 commended seniors with Principal Mr. Ross Fales and Director of Guidance Mrs. Colleen Hayes.

Twelve members of the Class of 2020 were recognized in the National Merit Scholarship Program for their performance on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which is taken in conjunction with the PSAT during junior year.

Joseph Cisar, Gary Fletcher, Eric Hawkins, Bruce Martin, Zachary Miller, Joseph Nowak, Liam O’Hara, George Paragioudakis, Jesse Ryan, Michael Simeone, and Kirk Yap were named national commended scholars. In 2018, over 1.5 million students entered the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the October PSAT. These 11 CBA students were in the top-five percent of all students who took the PSAT, earning the designation of national commended scholar.

Drew Valsamedis was named a national semifinalist in the program, keeping him in the running to earn a national merit scholarship. Valsamesis is one of 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, which will be narrowed to 7,400 winners of the scholarship.

“We are very proud of the outstanding effort and achievement of these 12 seniors,” said Associate Principal Sean Nunan. “We wish Drew the best of luck in his quest to earn a prestigious national merit scholarship.”

The National Merit Scholarship program began in 1955 with the stated purpose of recognizing and honoring academically students in America. The program’s mission includes both promoting a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular and shining a spotlight on brilliant students to encourage their pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education.

The scholarship announcement will be released in the spring.

About Christian Brothers Academy:
Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through the combined efforts of the Office of Advancement and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $1.5 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy at www.CBALincroftNJ.org.