Avon Grove High School (AGHS) administrators recently announced that one student has been named a National Merit Semifinalist and 11 students have been named as Commended students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. 

Benjamin Weaver was recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist in the program, and will advance to the next stage of the competition.

The commended students include Philip Boehmler, Tristan Conlan, Alexander Hart, Isaac Hernandez, Dalton Huller, Joseph Ingram, Aaditya Joshi, Alyssa McCann, Rishabh Panse, Suraj Pedada, and Mason Walker. Each student was presented with a letter of commendation from the school recognizing the achievement. 

Approximately 34,000 students across the nation have been recognized as Commended students based on their performance on the Selection Index, a qualifying score that varies annually. Although these students will not advance to the finals of the National Merit Scholarship competition, this honor places them among the top 50,000 students who entered the program by taking the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT).

In addition, about 16,000 students have been named semifinalists and will move on to the next stage of the competition. To become finalists, these students must submit a detailed scholarship application, including an essay, academic achievements, participation in school and community activities, and any honors and awards they have received. National Merit Scholarships will be awarded in the spring of 2025, with winners announced beginning in April.

With over 1.3 million entrants in the program, AGHS Principal Dr. Christie Snead noted the impressive dedication needed to receive this recognition. 

“Their commitment to academic excellence and personal growth truly sets them apart, and we are extremely proud of our students,” Snead said. “This recognition is not only a testament to their hard work, but also to the supportive community of teachers, staff, and families who have encouraged their success every step of the way. We look forward to seeing the incredible things they will accomplish in the future.”