Bethpage High School

Bethpage High School senior Suchitha Channapatna was named as a semifinalist in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

“I was kind of surprised when I heard the news about this program,” Channapatna said. “But now I’m super excited to be recognized as a semifinalist.”

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

NMSC, a nonprofit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 400 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

ESY students at the Special Olympics at Bethpage High School.

In a continuation of their partnership with the New York Special Olympics, the Bethpage School District Extended School Year Program held an internal, culminating event with students and staff on August 6. The students practiced a variety of events from running to the balance beam during their summer physical education classes.

Additionally, the ESY EATS program donated some of their proceeds to the Special Olympics. ESY teacher Dayna Vollmuth and Coordinator of Vocational Experiences Ryan Catterson presented Vice President of Downstate Operations for Special Olympics New York Diane Colonna with a check at the beginning of the event.

"Friday's ESY Special Olympics event was nothing short of incredible. We had the opportunity to continue our partnership with Special Olympics New York and celebrate our students and watch them have a blast during the various events. It felt amazing to have parents, students, staff members and community members all in one place again with smiles on their faces," ESY Principal Julianne Tierney said. 

Special thanks to the ESY Physical Education teachers Mike Posch and Jeff Hack for putting so much work into this event. The district is so proud of these amazing students and looks forward to working with Special Olympics New York again in the future!