Two Antilles Students Named National Merit Award Finalists

Andy Yu (left) and Ronit Totwani were recognized this month as National Merit Scholarship finalists. (Submitted photo)

Antilles School is proud to announce that two members of the senior class have been named 2023 National Merit Scholarship finalists.

Ronit Totwani and Andy Yu, both of whom were announced semifinalists in September, are now among roughly 15,000 finalists of the 68th annual scholarship program who met all requirements to advance to finalist standing and be considered for one of 7,250 National Merit Scholarships being offered this spring.

Academic records, school curriculum, test scores, administrative recommendations and information about activities and leadership, as well as an essay, are used in the judging process.

National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April and running through July, with collective awards totaling $28 million.

“On behalf of our board of trustees and our entire Antilles School community, it is truly a pleasure to congratulate Ronit and Andy on this accomplishment,” said Head of School Shannon Harris, noting that the pair also submitted their applications to the U.S Presidential Scholars Program.

“Both share an incredible passion for learning, excel in the classroom, and are able to balance their rigorous academic loads with personal and extra-curricular responsibilities admirably. Additionally, and arguably more importantly, they are good people who represent their families and our community well,” Harris said.

Sharing more about their academic strategy, Ronit and Andy attributed their success to hard work.

“There’s no secret other than really taking the time – whether on a test or in life — to figure out your strengths and what you do best,” Ronit said.

“We have put in the effort to find new ways to learn and improve,” Andy said. “It’s rewarding to see that pay off now, and we’re just grateful for the honor.”