2 seniors named scholarship program semifinalists

Two Valley Stream Central High School District seniors qualified as semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program, the district announced last month.

Ryan Andres, of Central High School, and Allyce Yang, of South High School, earned the “prestigious distinction” due to their Preliminary SAT scores, according to the district.

Andres is a member of his school’s National Honor Society, Class of 2016 club, E-TV video technology club and Future Business Leaders of America. He also plays the clarinet and participates in the school band. He is interested in pursuing teaching or computer science in college.

Yang plays the viola and is a member of her school’s orchestra. She was recently accepted to the New York State School Music Association’s All-State String Orchestra. Yang has also performed in All-County, Long Island String Festival Association, South Shore Symphony and District Music Festival concerts and ensembles. Last year, she won the National Council of Teachers of English Writing Award. Her college plans include a possible focus on environmental science studies.