Three Hoboken High School Students In A Row Receive Prestigious National Honor

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken High School has now had three students become semifinalists for a highly competitive college scholarship competition.

Recently, senior Carolina Fernandez was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, a journey that began with her scoring among the top students in the country on her PSAT.

(See which other students in Hudson County were listed as semifinalists here.)

Hoboken High School has had winners three years in a row, a feat achieved by few high schools in the area.

Fernandez participates in Harvard Model Congress, the Hoboken High School Tennis Team, student government, and other activities, school officials said.

“I am so incredibly grateful to be representing Hoboken High in the National Merit Scholarship Program," she said. "If not for the support I've received over the past three years from teachers and faculty, I truly believe this wouldn't be possible. I found out on my way to Senior Sunrise, so it was really a full-circle moment for me and my academic journey.”

Principal Robin Piccapietra said, “Carolina’s recognition as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist is an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of her dedication, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence."

She noted, "To have a National Merit Semifinalist from Hoboken High School for three consecutive years speaks to the academic culture we continue to build and, most importantly, to the remarkable students who challenge themselves every day.”

“Carolina’s achievement is a tremendous source of pride for our entire school district,” said Christine Johnson, superintendent of schools. “Being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is an exceptional academic distinction."

The Competition

Finalists and winners in the competition will be announced next year. They may earn scholarships to four-year colleges of $2,000 or more, no strings attached.

Students enter the competition through their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and must satisfy additional program requirements.

Past Semifinalists Now At Ivy League Schools

Last year, Lucas Daly was recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist before graduating from Hoboken High School and heading to Brown University.

The previous year, Madison Walia Peters was awarded a National Merit Scholarship. She is a pre-med student at Harvard University.

The previous year, Madison Walia Peters earned Semifinalist recognition, advanced to Finalist standing, and was awarded a National Merit Scholarship. She is currently pursuing a pre-medical course of study at Harvard University.

Fernandez said she is proud to continue the tradition established by her fellow Redwings and hopes her achievement inspires future Hoboken High School students.

“I'm honored to follow in Madison and Lucas' footsteps as a semifinalist, as well as to serve as inspiration for what I anticipate will be many more future Redwing semifinalists," she said. "I hope to eventually be named a National Merit Scholar and put the scholarship toward pursuing a major in political science.”