Cotroneo is among 2,500 high school students who will receive an award of $2,500 and the chance to win the Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship competition is an annual event that recognizes the academic work and promise of exceptional students. To enter the competition, students must take the PSATs by their junior in high school and must plan on attending college the fall after they graduate from high school. Organizations that award scholarships can use printing services to create a full list of the rules for entry.
Performance on the PSATs is just one factor that determines a student's eligibility for a Merit Scholarship. Students such as Natalie Cotroneo also need to demonstrate academic ability in the classroom.
Cotroneo has done just that, by taking advanced placement and honors courses throughout her high school career. She's also been ranked among the 10 highest achieving students in her class. So far, she has earned two full-tuition scholarships, one from Stony Brook University and one from Fordham University. She has been accepted into the Women in Science and Engineering Honors program at Stony Brook as well.
Lindenhurst High school principal, Dr. Christopher Gitz, said:
"Natalie is a dedicated student and the embodiment of the Lindenhurst High School motto of leadership, honor and scholarship. I have no doubt that her commitment to her education will result in her successful future.”