PCHS students named Commended Students in National Merit Program

Dr. Mitchell Combs, Principal of Port Chester High School, announced Molly Brakewood and Peter Manos have been named Commended Students in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors. Dr. Combs said the awards are “an honor truly deserved and a recognition of the hard-work, dedication, and perseverance of two members of our talented student body.”

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2020 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

The two students were grateful to receive the award, but also have their eyes on the future. Molly said, “I’m excited to see what else is in store this year and I am really glad it’s off to a great start.” Peter is also looking to continue his academic success and added, “I am honored to receive this award, and it will help in pushing myself to keep doing better.”

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” a spokesperson for NMSC said. “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.”

During the presentation, both students’ guidance counselors were in attendance and proud of the amazing accomplishments the students have made in their four years at the high school. Molly’s counselor, Vanessa Clay-Williams said, “This acknowledgement is well deserved! Molly is a true scholar, talented athlete and musician, and most notably an active leader in the Port Chester school community.” Peter’s counselor, Marta Sandoval, said, “Peter has an inquisitive nature, which fosters his love for learning. On his quest to learn and embrace new subjects, it has made him a well-rounded student. This Letter of Commendation recognizes his academic promise.”