Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. From the 50,000 high scorers nationwide, about 34,000 Commended Students are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Another 16,000 have been named Semifinalists, representing the top scorers in each state.

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Semifinalists, who represent the highest scoring entrants in each state, have an opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring. To advance to the Finalist level, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements including an outstanding academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, an endorsement by a high school official, and earning SAT / ACT test scores that confirm the student’s performance on the qualifying test.

Cole Webster’s rigorous academics include many Advanced Placement and UConn Early College Experience courses. He has consistently earned high honors status over the course of his time at Berlin High and has earned the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, the Advanced Biology Award, and the Band Achievement Award. Cole has earned a spot by audition in the CMEA Northern Regional Band Festival each year and has been nominated by his band director for the ASBDA Honors Band. Cole enhances his musical education by participating in the BHS saxophone quartet, Redcoat marching band, and earning a spot in the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble. He is a member of the Model UN Club, Debate Club, and the Upbeat Peer Leadership Program. He volunteers with Youth 2 Community where he tutored a middle schooler in preparation for audition, plays in pit orchestras at various community theaters around the state, and serves as a counselor / tutor in the Manzi Band Camp each summer. Not surprisingly, Cole’s passion for music is leading him to study music after graduation from Berlin High School.

From advanced and honors to AP and UConn ECE courses, Max Ding has challenged himself academically while achieving high honors status throughout high school. He has received many accolades including the Sacred Heart University Book Award, the Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Max has been inducted into the Berlin High chapters of the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. Max is captain of the indoor track team and has played baseball since the age of seven, participating on a travel baseball team, volunteering at Little League youth clinics, and umpiring at Little League baseball and softball games. He is also musically inclined, playing piano and saxophone and participating in the Berlin High Madrigals a capella group. In addition Max is a member of Upbeat, serving as Willard House leader; spends summers volunteering at the Berlin Peck Memorial Library; and has been a teacher’s assistant at the Chinese Language School of Greater Hartford. He is a member of the BHS Medical Club / HOSA, president of the Weightlifting Club, a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team, and captain of the Math Team. Max recently completed a month-long fellowship at UConn’s Institute of Materials Science studying synthetic polymers.

Andrew Feldman’s rigorous academic coursework at Berlin High includes numerous Advanced Placement and UConn Early College Experience courses. In addition to consistently achieving high honors status he was named the top Advanced Biology student in 2023. He plays piano and is a member of the Music Improv Club where he is learning to play guitar. He has held the positions of Secretary and Vice President of BHS DECA and founded Berlin High’s new Faith Club. Andrew has taken lessons in programming at the Farmington Coder School and attended the CT GenCyber Camp at Central Connecticut State University where he had an opportunity to learn from professionals in the cybersecurity field. Andrew has been working on a seminary training program since 2020 for spiritual and personal development, completing 520 hours of a 700-hour program. He further adds to his spiritual development by helping as a counselor at the Southington Area Church and is a regional church youth leader, helping to plan large events. With all the hours he has spent volunteering at church, at school, and in the community, he also finds time for a part-time position as a math / reading tutor, helping other students succeed. Andrew plans to study applied mathematics after graduation.

From left to right: Max Ding, Andrew Feldman, and Cole Webster