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Schools

Whiz Kid: Maria Passarelli

SSHS's valedictorian named a finalist in National Merit scholarship competition.

The spring semester is looking up for one senior. Maria Passarelli, valedictorian of her class, has been named a National Merit finalist, which could qualify her for a variety of college scholarships and awards.

“When I first found out I was a finalist, I was pretty surprised,” Passarelli said. “But after the shock wore off, I was really happy and excited at the prospect of potentially receiving a scholarship for college.”

Passarelli’s high PSAT scores during her junior year qualified her for the National Merit competition. After she was named a semifinalist, she put together an application, which included a personal essay and letters of recommendation, in order to advance to finalist standing.

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“[SSHS’s] guidance department was very helpful and supportive as I worked through the application,” said Passarelli. “My guidance counselor had to put together her own individual application portion to accompany mine, so my success is due in part to her hard work as well.”

Over the past four years, Passarelli has been heavily involved in SSHS’s science research program and is also a member of New York State’s Science Honor Society. “Maria is one of the hardest working students I have encountered in my teaching career,” said Herb Weiss, director of science research at SSHS.

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Weiss explained that Passarelli has enhanced her classroom learning by spending the past two summers at Rockefeller University where she examined the effects of Hepatitis C on a variety of cells. As a part of her honor society duties, “she also tutors once week,” he added.

In addition to her involvement in the science program, Passarelli serves as secretary of SSHS’s student government, plays the flute in the school’s wind ensemble, plays piano in the pit orchestra for the spring musical, and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Foreign Language Honor Society.

“Maria is a star in every way,” said Carol Burris, principal of SSHS. “Maria is a very dedicated, talented, and humble student. We are so proud that she will be this year’s valedictorian.”

Passarelli said that she is still awaiting admissions decisions from the colleges she applied to, but regardless of what school she attends, she plans to major in biochemistry and possibly pursue a minor in music.

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