The LGI room at Whitehall High School was buzzing with excitement Oct. 14 as a number of seniors were being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship program and the College Board National Recognition program.

Two seniors were commended through the National Merit Scholarship program. Nathan Mak and Lucas Roncolato received commendation letters from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

According to the organization, approximately 34,000 students were recognized throughout the country for their “exceptional academic promise.” The commended scholars placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.

The College Board National Recognition program includes four categories - National African American Recognition program, National Hispanic Recognition program, National Indigenous Recognition program and National Rural and Small Town Recognition program. Students must have taken eligible administrations of the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 or AP exams.

The National African American Recognition Award honorees are Alyssa Holder, Julian Hernandez, Mariah Bynoe and Zachary Onsinyo.

The National Hispanic Recognition Award was presented to Amanda Gonzalez Travieso, Celeste Younes-Cosme and Syenna Young.

Keven Eugene was honored with both the National African American and Hispanic Recognition Awards.

WHS Principal Dr. Peter Mayes said it was an honor to recognize the gifted and talented students. He also commented on the importance of families in helping the students succeed.

Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Steckel congratulated the students and wished them the “best of luck for the rest of the school year and beyond.”

The students and their families were treated to a reception, with beverages and breakfast foods, where they could mingle and relax.

Julian was all smiles while talking about how good he felt to be recognized. He said he really appreciated the acknowledgment of his accomplishment.

Alyssa said she was very excited and happy. She reported she didn’t know about the awards before receiving one. She simply worked hard and was thrilled to be recognized for her efforts.

Zachary commented on how honored and excited he felt to be honored. Several of his fellow honorees agreed with his statements.

He also mentioned how happy he was to have his family there to support him. He noted how proud they are, and he loved that they were able to attend the event and share in his accomplishments.

“They’ve been there supporting me throughout my entire high school experience,” Zachary said.

Mayes noted how happy he was to recognize the students, especially so close to the start of their senior year. He hopes it will help the students continue through the year on the positive note.

“After the pandemic, we talk a lot about learning loss and other problems,” Mayes said. “These students overcame so much and are excelling. They are tremendous students.”