Croton-Harmon High School seniors Sean Ossowski and Spencer Celente have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, earning recognition among more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide.

Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and include the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Sean and Spencer now have the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing and compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $24 million, that will be awarded in the spring.

For Sean, the recognition reflects a curiosity that extends across science, technology, the environment and the arts. He is particularly passionate about physical science, mathematics, computer science and climate action, while also pursuing interests in music, performing arts and photography. “I love exploring my own creative expression through these elements,” Sean shared.

That range of interests is reflected throughout Sean’s CHHS experience. He founded the Croton Environmental Initiative, serves as president of both the Engineering Club and C.A.C.T.I., represents students through Student Faculty Congress, participates in the National STEM Honor Society, performs in chorus and theater, and is a member of the varsity boys’ swim team. His community involvement also includes volunteering as a tutor at the Croton Free Library and serving as a photographer for the Harry Chapin Run Against Hunger.

Sean credits CHHS with giving students opportunities to pursue interests beyond the classroom. He specifically recalled the school’s annual Club & Community Service Fair as an early experience that showed him “students are empowered to create what they wish to create surrounding their passions.” After graduation, Sean hopes to study physical science alongside computer science and entrepreneurship, with a long-term goal of promoting scientific literacy and using that knowledge to support a healthier and more informed world.

Spencer described learning that he had been selected as a Semifinalist as a moment of gratitude—not only for the recognition, but for the support he has received from his family, CHHS and the Croton community. He was especially excited to learn that Sean, his longtime friend, had earned the distinction alongside him. “We’ve been best friends for almost the entirety of our time in the district,” Spencer shared.

Spencer’s academic interests center on history and social studies. He has explored those interests through a wide range of CHHS courses as well as experiences such as Student-Faculty Congress and Model United Nations. He pointed to a particularly influential elective course, Inhumanity Facing History, that explores why and how oppressive regimes rise to power.  Spencer shared, “I had countless numbers of deep conversations about these topics with my classmates, who had a wide variety of opinions and backgrounds that made for an intellectually rich environment. This experience has really shaped how I view the world around me and whetted my appetite for learning.”

Outside the classroom, Spencer is an Eagle Scout, a Student-Faculty Congress grade representative, a member of Model United Nations and the CHHS Jazz Band, and a varsity swimmer and baseball player. He also enjoys hiking, fishing, camping and spending time outdoors.

Looking ahead, Spencer plans to study international relations, an interest shaped by his history and government courses and his involvement in Model United Nations and Student-Faculty Congress. He is considering participating in ROTC while in college or pursuing government work related to international relations, with the broader goal of making meaningful service to others part of his career.

“We are incredibly proud of Sean and Spencer for earning this outstanding recognition,” said CHHS Principal Erica Fiorini. “They demonstrate tremendous curiosity and dedication both in and out of the classroom. Their accomplishments reflect the many ways our students embrace learning, leadership and service, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement.”

To advance to the Finalist level, Semifinalists must complete a detailed scholarship application that includes information about their academic record, school and community involvement, leadership, employment, honors and awards. Applicants must also maintain an outstanding academic record, receive the endorsement and recommendation of a high school official, submit an essay and satisfy the program’s additional requirements. More than 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to Finalist standing.

Congratulations to Sean and Spencer on this exceptional achievement and for representing Croton-Harmon High School!