Congratulations to Tappan Zee High School’s 2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Catie O’Keefe, Livia Regina and Matthew Tobin! The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The three seniors were among the highest-scorers in New York State on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
“We are super proud of Catie, Livia and Matt! They have accomplished so much at TZ and contributed greatly to our school community through their leadership across academics, extracurriculars and athletics,” said Principal Rudy Arietta. “It is wonderful to see their hard work recognized by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Program.”
O’Keefe, a three-season scholar-athlete (tennis, basketball and lacrosse), committed as a junior to play NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse at Boston University. She is president of both the Engineering Club and the Spanish Club, treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta and a member of several honor societies. In her free time, O’Keefe volunteers as a lacrosse coach and is restoring a 1978 Jeep CJ7.
Regina is co-president of the English Honor Society, treasurer for the Student Organization, serves on the editing staff of Tones and is a member of numerous honor societies. She developed a passion for dance at a young age and has pursued ballet at a local studio for over a decade.
A founding member and current co-president of the high school’s Youth and Government Club, Tobin was elected by YAG peers statewide as Secretary of State for the 2021-22 school year and was selected as a delegate to the Conference on National Affairs for several years. Last March, he was awarded the Fosdick-San Antonio Memorial Scholarship at the Alliance of New York State YMCAs’ Youth and Government Conference. Tobin is president of the Student Organization, Drama Club, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society and National Honor Society; co-president of the Science Olympiad Club; and a member of the Boys Fencing team. Beyond the school day, he plays the bagpipes and is working toward earning Eagle Scout rank.
To be selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, a Semifinalist must submit an essay and scholarship application which includes information about their academic record, school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. Semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record, be recommended by a high school official and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s performance on the qualifying test. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the pool of Finalists and announced starting in April 2023.
Congratulations and good luck, Catie, Livia and Matt!
