Port Washington honors National Merit semifinalists and state music award recipients

The Port Washington Board of Education recognized student achievements in academics and music during its Sept. 16 meeting.

Paul D. Shriver High School announced five students named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Ethan Borda; Kaitlyn Costello; Victoria Kaufmann; Justin Lee; and Alicia Rao. The National Merit designation follows the qualifying test taken by about 1.5 million students nationwide; roughly 16,000 were named semifinalists.

The board also honored 10 students who earned recognition from the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), including All‑State performers and composers from Schreiber High School. Recognized students and categories included Vivian Learn (symphony orchestra, viola), Shiyihu (string orchestra, violin), Antonio Capobianco (alternate, violin), Aisling Hassett (alternate, cello), Minseng Siu (alternate, cello), Ethan Bridal (jazz ensemble; jazz piano; young composers concert), Marshall Chung (alternate, baritone sax), Gabriel Jaffe (vocal jazz, tenor), Isabella Ertel (alternate, soprano), and Daniel O’Farrell (alternate, jazz tenor voice). The board congratulated the students and thanked staff and families who supported their work.