2 Abington Students Named National Merit Scholars

ABINGTON, PA — Two Abington High School students have earned one of the more distinguished honors possible for a high school student: the National Merit Scholarship.

Timothy Gallagher, whose probable career field is finance, and Peirce W. Robinson, who plans to study performing arts, were both named finalist winners.

Only 2,500 winners were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 students from around the nation.

Winners are selected purely on merit, without consideration of their family financial circumstances, college choice, major, or career plans. Students are evaluated on standardized test scores, academic record, leadership and community activities, a recommendation, and an essay.

Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 410 business organizations and higher education institutions, according to the news release.

About 1,000 seniors around the country were granted corporate scholarships, which are given to students who make it to the finalist level of the NMS competition and also meet the criteria of the companies involved.

Patch file photo