Congratulations to Garden City High School seniors Sarah D'Antonio and Elizabeth Debold (center left and right respectively), pictured here with Guidance Counselor Tim Casale and Principal Nanine Cuttitta, for being selected as 2009 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists. Chosen from more than 1.5 million entrants from over 21,000 high schools, Sarah and Elizabeth will now have the opportunity to continue in the competition to compete for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $35 million, that will be offered next spring. Approximately 15,000 of the Semi-Finalists are expected to advance to the Finalist standing from which the 2009 National Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Sarah and Elizabeth both have outstanding academic records at Garden City High School. "We are very proud of Sarah and Elizabeth," commented Principal Nanine Cuttitta. "This is a wonderful accomplishment for these students and for our high school."