NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 16, 2025) — Four seniors from New Rochelle High School have been named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, joining a select group of 16,000 high school students nationwide competing for nearly 7,000 scholarships totaling $26 million.
Regina Teran, Ian McCloskey, Cory Seelenfreund and Paxton Rogove earned the distinction after standing out among 1.3 million juniors who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2024. The elite pool of semifinalists represents less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors.
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
The four standouts were among 187 Hudson Valley semifinalists who made the cut in the program.
To advance to finalist standing, the students and a New Rochelle High School official must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes information about the students’ academic records, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. Finalists will be notified in February. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the group of finalists, with awards announced in the spring.
“Congratulations, Ian McCloskey, Paxton Rogove, Cory Seelenfreund, and Regina Teran! Great job! We’re Purple Proud of you!” the City School District of New Rochelle said in a Facebook post.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.