2 Elwood Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

ELWOOD, NY — Emily LeMena and James Rourke, seniors at Elwood-John H. Glenn High School, were named National Merit Semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, the school district announced.

They were honored for their outstanding academic performances on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test during the last school year.

Now in its 68th year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation annually announces the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists who go on to compete for 7,250 scholarships worth more than a combined $28 million. More than 90 percent of those students are expected to earn finalist standing and approximately half will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar.

“It’s a great recognition and I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the
way: my parents, my teachers and my peers,” LeMena said. “I wouldn't have been able to do
it without them.”

Rourke said he doesn't believe he won the award because of his success taking the test that one day.

"It was a buildup over the years, and has a lot to do with the support staff we have here, the teachers and administrators, and my parents and everyone who has helped me get to this point," he said.