2 Holmdel High School Students Win National Merit Scholarships

HOLMDEL, NJ — Two students from Holmdel have earned National Merit Scholarships, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced on Wednesday. Only students winning corporate-sponsored scholarships were announced so far; more may be announced later.

The two winners announced Wednesday are:

Rayan R. Jawa, of Holmdel, whose probable career field is medical research. Jawa received the National Merit Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Scholarship. Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Inc., annually awards scholarships to the children of active, full-time employees of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company U.S. divisions and subsidiaries. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is a research-based, diversified health care company whose principal businesses are pharmaceuticals, consumer products, nutritional and medical devices.

Angela Shen, of Holmdel, whose probable career field is applied mathematics. Shen received the National Merit Colgate-Palmolive Company Scholarship. Colgate-Palmolive is a $9.0 billion global consumer products company, focusing on the core businesses of oral care, personal care, household surface care, fabric care, and pet nutrition.

Colgate markets its products in more than 170 countries under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Ajax, Fab, Colgate Plax and Murphy Oil Soap, Tom's of Maine, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods.

To be a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application detailing the semifinalist's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received.

All semifinalists have to have an “outstanding” academic record and be endorsed and recommended by a high school official.

Starting this month, approximately 7,500 students will be notified that they have been chosen for a Merit Scholarship. Many will receive a $2,500 scholarship for college, but some may win an award from a company or from a particular college.

Last year, four seniors from Holmdel High School were named semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship.

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