Five Pine-Richland High School seniors were named finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.
In September, they were named semifinalists based on earning some of the highest scores nationwide on the PSAT/NMSQT out of more than 2 million test takers.
The Pine-Richland students have earned the additional finalist commendation by maintaining a consistent record of very high academic performance, demonstrated leadership, written essays and receiving a school official’s written recommendation and characterization, and now will be considered for more than 7,000 National Merit scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000.
“These students rank in the top 15,000 in the United States, a remarkable number. It’s something for us to be very proud of,” Frank Hernandez, high school principal, said. “What’s more impressive is what each student has accomplished inside and outside of the classroom.”
• Vasile Balouris was a captain on the varsity football and basketball teams, is a four-year member of student government and is vice president of his church’s youth association. He was named to the Steelers All-Peer Team. Next year, Vasile plans to study mechanical engineering at a four-year college.
Regarding his National Merit Finalist status, he said, “It’s very reassuring to me of the work I’ve put in in high school, and I’m very appreciative to be recognized for it.”
• Jocelyn Curreri plans to become a doctor and will study biology at a four-year college with a possible dual major or minor in political science or history. In addition to her academic success, Jocelyn is the co-founder and president of the Asian Culture Club, serves as an officer and team captain in Mock Trial, participates in archery and interned with U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall.
“This is encouragement to keep challenging myself in the future,” Jocelyn said. “My favorite thing about Pine-Richland is the community I’ve met here. Both the students and teachers have motivated me to become who I am today.”
• Nicolai Ezolt, an aspiring math teacher, plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh. Nicolai is active in marching band and theater, which have been his favorite experiences at Pine-Richland. He led this year’s marching band as a drum major and starred in the fall play “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” for which he received a Prime Stage Drama Awards Best Actor nomination. Last year, Nicolai was part of an Odyssey of the Mind team that placed second in the world championship.
“This is so important to me,” Nicolai said. “I feel so lucky to be part of such a talented group of kids. To be surrounded by all that talent and diversity is really something special.”
• Liam Francis said his experience with a physics class at Pine-Richland inspired him to pursue a degree in physics next year at the University of Notre Dame. Liam is a fourth-year varsity rower with the crew team and has played violin with the orchestra since middle school. He is an Eagle Scout and built an outdoor classroom at Wexford Elementary School for his Eagle project.
“National Merit Finalist status feels rewarding,” Liam said. “It recognizes the hard work I’ve done in and out of the classroom.”
• Ben Lyons, in addition to playing defenseman on the varsity lacrosse team, is president of the Environmental Club and is involved with Spanish Club, Programming Club and the annual Hack the Ram event. He notes that his favorite part about Pine-Richland is the community: “No matter who you are and what you like to do, there is a place for every person in the school.”
Next year, Ben plans to study mechanical engineering at a four-year college and is already thinking about possibly attending graduate school. National Merit Finalist status “means opportunity,” Ben said. “It could open up a lot of scholarships and schools.”