Hamden Students Named Finalists In Merit Scholarship Program

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden High School seniors Franziska Lee and Rebecca Theroux were recently confirmed as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

More than 1.5 million students in about 21,000 high schools across the country entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 PSAT, according to school officials. Lee and Theroux are among just 15,000 students designated as finalists and will be considered for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships that will be announced this spring.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is funded by businesses and institutes of higher education that share the goals of “honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence,” according to a news release.

Lee and Theroux advanced from semifinalists to finalists after submitting an extensive application including demonstrated leadership abilities, participation in school and community activities, and ongoing academic achievement.

Lee is an accomplished writer at Educational Center for the Arts and a literacy tutor at New Haven Reads. As a member of Hamden High’s Global Youth Activist Club, she has been a leader among her peers in community engagement. Lee plans on studying English in college.

Theroux is a stage manager in the acclaimed Hamden Mainstage Ensemble. As an active member of HHS SADD, she visits area elementary schools to discuss good decision-making with younger students.

Theroux is also a member of the HHS Bridge Builders Club, which works to connect community members across generations.

“Hamden High School is proud of Rebecca and Franziska and wish them continued success in the National Merit Scholarship process and in their future endeavors,” school officials said in a news release.