2 Elwood Students Named National Merit Finalists

ELWOOD, NY — James Rourke and Emily LaMena, seniors at Elwood-John H. Glenn High School, recently were named finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, the Elwood School District announced.

Rourke, the Class of 2023 valedictorian, and LaMena, the salutatorian, will compete for two of 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.

"I would like to thank the faculty of John Glenn High School and my past teachers through my years in this school district for their help in making me the student I am today," Rourke said via news release. "I have had a lot of support from this school district over the years, and I am
grateful for the role that my teachers have played in this growth."

LaMena said she is honored to receive the recognition.

"I would like to thank all the people who have helped me in achieving this, from my parents, sisters and family members, to teachers, peers, administrators, and community members," she said. "All of the support I have received has been invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful, as I would not be where I am today without them."