![Congratulations: National Merit Semi-Finalists]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726255997/bishopkennyorg/bvdqqty6uxnvyzye6lht/SemiFinalist1Square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726255997/bishopkennyorg/bvdqqty6uxnvyzye6lht/SemiFinalist1Square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726255997/bishopkennyorg/bvdqqty6uxnvyzye6lht/SemiFinalist1Square.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1726255997/bishopkennyorg/bvdqqty6uxnvyzye6lht/SemiFinalist1Square.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1726255997/bishopkennyorg/bvdqqty6uxnvyzye6lht/SemiFinalist1Square.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1726255997/bishopkennyorg/bvdqqty6uxnvyzye6lht/SemiFinalist1Square.jpg","width":2200}])
National Merit Competition
Bishop Kenny High School is proud to announce that Thomas Cratem, Jack Liuzzo, and Jordin Pudpud, Class of 2025, have been named as National Merit Semifinalist in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among only 972 students in the entire state of Florida to be designated as semifinalists due to their high scores on the PSAT in October of 2023. On that date last year, over 75,000 juniors throughout the state took the PSAT. It's a significant achievement that reflects their dedication to academic excellence. We wish them the best of luck in becoming finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program when they are confirmed in February 2025.
It's evident that these students have not only excelled academically but have also been actively involved in leadership roles in extracurricular activities and honor societies. Their commitment to both their studies and their broader school community is commendable. Cratem, Liuzzo, and Pudpud all maintain rigorous academic schedules and are involved in leadership roles in a multitude of extracurricular activities and honor societies.
Cratem shared, “In my time at Bishop Kenny, it has provided for me an excellent education, an environment that has cultivated and strengthened my faith, and my closest friends, who remind me of the importance of companions in the journey of life.” He has accumulated over close to 300 service hours and is a member of the cross country and track teams. Cratem would like to attend the University of Florida and pursue a major engineering.
Liuzzo also had strong feelings about his high school experience, “God entrusted me with the perfect family, company of good-natured friends, and brotherhood of teammates… These Boys Are My Heart.” He would like to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to take his passion for STEM to the next level.
Pudpud mentioned having similar sentiments stating, “I really appreciate Kenny as a place that allowed me to connect with other people-- especially teachers. I've had some incredible instructors that have helped me learn more about the world, each subject, and myself, and encouraged me to grow and develop." She would like to attend University of Florida and pursue a major in marine biology.
Congratulations also are extended to seniors Jack McCoy, Megan Porkert, and Claudia Rodriguez who were also recognized as Commended Students in the National Merit program based upon their outstanding PSAT scores.