Ad

BHS Senior Antonio Spatafore Selected as National Merit Semifinalist

By Trina Runner on October 02, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

Among the names announced for the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists was Bridgeport High School Senior Antonio Spatafore.  Nationwide, Spatafore is in good company with 16,000 Semifinalists throughout all 50 states.  The 63rd Annual announcement came on September 13 and those included will now have the opportunity to compete for one of 7,500 scholarships totaling more than $32 million. 
 
To be considered for a National Merit Award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.  OF those that attain Finalist standing, about half will receive a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title.
 
The process began last year when Spatafore was among the highest scoring students in the state for the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The Semifinalists represent less than 1% of the 1.6 million students who took the test.  To become a finalist, Spatafore will now submit a detailed application through the school which will highlight his superior academic record, participation in school and community activities, his leadership ability, his employment and his honors and awards.  He must also write an essay, earn a qualifying SAT score, and be recommended by a school official.
 
“I am honored to recommend Antonio Spatafore for the prestigious honor,” said BHS Principal Mark Defazio.  “He has excelled both academically and through his involvement in community and school activities.  He challenges himself to do his best and we look forward to what comes next in the process.”
 
In addition to his academic success, Spatafore has also shown himself to be a unique entrepreneur.  For four years, he has customized sneakers for people all over the country, including college sports players and a country star.  He is an active member of the National Honor Society and a member of Mensa. 
 
Spatafore placed first in West Virginia DECA’s Buying and Merchandising Event, qualifying for international business competition and solidifying his ability to apply business concepts learned at BHS.  He is a member of the tennis team and currently considering attending WVU with a double major of Business Finance and Computer Science.


Connect Bridgeport
© 2024 Connect-Bridgeport.com