High Scholastic Achievement Honored

(Ed Note: This article was originally published Jun 16 2011 04:00am)

Wall High School’s top students were honored Tuesday at the Board of Education’s regular meeting for their high achievement and leadership.

Schools Superintendent James Habel awarded seven students who earned the extraordinary title of National Merit Scholar and also the high school’s Top 10 students overall.

Each year, about 1.5 million students nationwide apply for the distinction of becoming a National Merits Scholar, but fewer than 50,000 are selected, Habel said.

The distinction requires high standardized test scores, high classroom achievement, leadership, the school must recommend the student and the student is also required to write an essay.

“It’s a coveted and meaningful award,’’ Habel said.

The Wall High School 2011 National Merit Scholars are:

• Thomas Brennan
• Katherine Briant
• Richard Cerretani
• Jacob Dawe
• Dylan Peterson
• Timothy Watkins
• Victoria Ball

Habel also recognized the achievement of  the school’s Top 10 students, singing praises of their scholastic achievement and academic rigor.

The Top 10 students have received a medal that will be pinned to their graduation gown and they will lead their class into the ceremony, Habel said.

“They have really reached the pinnacle of our classes,’’ Habel said.

The Wall High School 2011 Top 10 students are:

• Jacob Dawe
• Thomas Brennan
• Dylan Peterson
• Dylan Pett
• Victoria Ball
• Nicholas Coakley
• Breynn Collazo
• Katherine Briant
• David DiBara
• Patrick Cloney