Congratulations to two members of the Class of 2020, Haleigh Twomey ‘20 and Emily Weinstein ‘20, who have been named 2020 National Merit® Scholars.

Haleigh Twomey and Emily Weinstein are recipients of the PSAT National Merit Qualifying Tests highest recognition, with scoring representing the top five percent in New York State. Haleigh has been awarded a scholarship from the NMQT scholarship committee to attend the University of Chicago. Emily will attend Hamilton College.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognizes and honors academically talented students through its nationwide academic scholarship program, which began in 1955. Approximately 1.6 million high school students enter the program each year. 

Two of Haleigh’s and Emily’s subject teachers shared tributes, which demonstrate the academic excellence recognized by the National Merit Scholarship program.

“Haleigh Twomey is among the most astute and sophisticated historical thinkers and writers I’ve ever taught.”

History Department Chair Maggie Moslander

“Haleigh Twomey is among the most astute and sophisticated historical thinkers and writers I’ve ever taught,” said History Department Chair Maggie Moslander. “She is always the student who can calmly walk her classmates through difficult concepts, or who poses a question that forces the class to more closely examine a text. She models excellence in the study of history in every way, and I’ve never seen her have an off day. She is thoughtful, generous with her peers and teachers, and elevates any conversation of which she is a part. I feel so grateful to have been her teacher!” 

“Emily’s work consistently demonstrates a beautiful combination of her amazing creativity and her proficient programming ability, with every application telling a story from its documentation through its execution.”

Computer Science Department Chair Charles Polizano P’18

“Emily Weinstein started off her Poly computer science career,” Computer Science Department Chair Charles Polizano P’18 said, “by requesting to move ahead to more advanced courses and committing to the work required to do so, and is ending it as one of the strongest programmers to ever go through our program. Emily is one of those students who pushes you as a teacher to constantly learn and grow and bring your best into the classroom each meeting. Emily’s work consistently demonstrates a beautiful combination of her amazing creativity and her proficient programming ability, with every application telling a story from its documentation through its execution. Emily excelled in each computer science course, consistently developing work that exceeded expectations, and continuously pushed beyond any limits she thought existed.”