Bensalem High Student Earns National Honor

BENSALEM, PA — A Bensalem High School senior has earned national recognition for her academic achievements.

Tanvi Patnaik has been named a "commended student" in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship program. A letter of commendation from the group and Bensalem High was presented to Patnaik by BHS principal William Ferrara and 12th grade assistant principal Stephen Garstka.

Commended students are named based on a nationally applied selection-index score that varies from year to year. It is typically below the level required for participants to be named National Merit semifinalists.

While commended students do not continue in the competition for National Merit scholarships, some of them become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by private corporations and businesses through the program.

Patnaik has been a principal's list honor roll student throughout high school. She is a member of National Honor Society, Lemon Club, Mathletes, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and Reading Olympics. Her hobbies include dance, playing the violin and working with children.

She plans to major in biology.

"Bensalem Township School District is extremely proud of the accomplishments of our academically talented students and congratulates Tanvi on this outstanding achievement," the district said in a news release.