4 Holmdel Teens Win National Merit Scholarships

Homdel, NJ - Four Holmdel teens have been named among the 1,000 National Merit scholars across the country.

• Sean E. Gross, a senior at Holmdel High School, was given a scholarship from Moody's. The Moody's Foundation is a charitable foundation established by Moody's Corporation. These scholarships are available for children of employees of Moody's Corporation and its subsidiaries. Gross plans to study finance in college.
• Aleksandra M. Kostic, Holmdel High School Probable career field: Science/Research. This award is supported by National Merit Scholarship Corporation's own funds.
• Blain L. Liang, High Technology High School, Holmdel resident. Probable career field: Finance. This award is supported by National Merit Scholarship Corporation's own funds.
• Jarrett Liang, High Technology High School, Holmdel resident. Probable career field: Engineering. This award is supported by National Merit Scholarship Corporation's own funds.

As part of the National Merit program, scholarships are given out by more than 200 corporations, who give money to students who are children of their employees; or are residents of communities the company serves, or who plan to pursue college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage.

Students first had to qualify with their 2014 PSAT scores. From there, each semifinalist was asked to complete a detailed application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record and be recommended by a high school official.

Most of these awards provide annual stipends that range from $500 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice. Congratulations to the four Holmdel-area students!