Newtown High School students Sadie Baimel and Aadit Jerfy were officially announced as Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program on Thursday, September 12. They came down into the school’s counseling office in the late afternoon and were greeted by NHS Principal Kimberly Longobucco, their respective guidance counselors Lauren Marti and Jeffrey Tolson, and other NHS staff members, for the special announcement.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. Baimel and Jerfy are two of over 16,000 Semifinalists in this year’s program, and have the opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million offered next spring.

In order to be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists have to fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.