Baldwin High seniors honored by National Merit program

Baldwin High School seniors Rachel Lyons and Patrick Stuart have been named Commended Student by the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The program is a nationwide competition conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Lyons and Stuart received notification of their awards in late September. 

“We are extremely proud to see Rachel Lyons and Patrick Stuart recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program,” Baldwin High Principal Neil Testa said. “We are confident that this will be just one of the many accolades they will each attain this year, as both are exceptional students.”

The students were recognized for their high scores on their PSAT tests, preliminary exams for the SAT, the standardized test used for college admissions. National Merit Commended Students fall in the top two-thirds of the nation’s highest scorers on the PSAT, just below the level of National Merit Scholars, and are eligible for special scholarships sponsored by businesses corporations and businesses.

Lyons said she was grateful for the recognition and honored to be named, after having worked through and overcome mental health challenges she faced during the coronavirus pandemic. “It felt good to see all the hard work I put in pay off,” she said.

Lyons is the co-founder and co-president of the high school’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Culture Club, a member of the pit orchestra, co-president of the show choir and vocal jazz clubs, vice president and cello co-section leader in the chamber orchestra and a member of the Principal’s Leadership Group. She said she is passionate about history and politics, and plans to study and eventually work in international law.

“On a scale of one to 10 of how happy I am, I’m an 11,” said Stuart He said that he, too, was honored to be recognized, and felt that his hard work had paid off. Outside the classroom, he is a sound technician for the high school stage crew, a member of the Science Olympiad and the founder of the Video Development Club.

Stuart said he plans to study physics and computer science in college.

Matthew Budreau, a spokesman for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, said that Commended Students have been named for their demonstrated potential for academic success, with the hope that the recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and serve as encouragement as they continue their. 

“The goal of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation is to recognize and honor the academic accomplishments of students all across the country,” Budreau said. 

“Those being named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program have demonstrated outstanding potential for future academic success and we hope this recognition will help further their educational opportunities and goals.”