Two Garden City High School students, Sarah D'Antonio and Elizabeth DeBold (center left and right), pictured here with guidance counselor Mr. Timothy Casale and high school principal Ms. Nanine Cuttitta, have been named as 2009 National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Of the 1.5 million entrants taking the PSAT/NMSQT, some 50,000 with the highest selection index scores (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills) qualified for recognition in this year's National Merit Scholarship Program.

As finalists, Sarah and Elizabeth are part of a group of 15,000 students from across the nation honored for their academic scholarship. "Although being named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist is an incredible honor itself," Elizabeth recently commented, "it is the recognition that the award provides that holds the most significance for me. Having the work that I have put into my studies throughout my high school career acknowledged is humbling and very well-appreciated. I am also excited to share this honor with my school and take it as an opportunity to demonstrate Garden City High School's dedication to academic excellence and achievement."