Two Pentucket Regional High School Students Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Brenda Erhardt proudly share that two Pentucket Regional High School students have been named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. 

SeniorsLillian Friend and Ashley Gagnon, both of West Newbury, are among 34,000 students to be so honored. Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Friend and Gagnon will receive letters of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, and from the District.

“Congratulations to Lillian and Ashley for this accomplishment,” Principal Erhardt said. “They both contribute significantly to the Pentucket community, both inside and outside the classroom. I am positive they will go on to great things following their time in Pentucket.”

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” said a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play on their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”