MARCELLUS — Two Marcellus Central School District seniors are moving on to the finals of the 67th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Mason Grieb and Kate O’Leary scored amongst the highest in the state on their Standardized Achievement Test, as well as their follow-up application detailing their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Of the 15,000 finalists — less than 1 percent of seniors nationwide — 7,500 will receive scholarships totaling more than $32 million.
“These students represent all that is good in Marcellus Senior High,” Principal John Durkee said. “They are hardworking, curious and kind. They are the two best people to represent us.”
O’Leary first heard she moved on when she received a letter over break.
“I had been hoping for some news and keeping my fingers crossed. It had been quite a while since we heard about being semifinalists in September,” O’Leary said. “I was very excited.”
Both O’Leary and Grieb are keeping their options open for their plans after high school.
“I was really excited,” Greib said. “I’m hoping we win something out of this.”
