A Manalapan High School Student Won A National Merit Scholarship

MANALAPAN, NJ — One student from Manalapan High School has 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.

Nathan G. Shenkerman of Manalapan High School received a National Merit Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Scholarship. Shenkerman is planning on going into the field of neuroscience.

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.

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, two young Manalapan residents earned college-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

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