On April 30, Bishop Timothy Senior celebrated the achievements of six National Merit Scholar students. Young men from five diocesan high schools came to the Diocesan Center, Harrisburg, to share lunch with Bishop Senior and the Secretariat for Education.
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students for their academic excellence, leadership and participation in activities and offers opportunities for college scholarships. This year’s Merit Scholar students are:
Andre Dang — Delone Catholic | National Merit Commended Student
Andre Dang is a driven and multifaceted student at Delone Catholic High School, where he has immersed himself in academics, the arts and athletics. A parishioner of St. Bartholomew Parish in Manchester, Maryland, Andre lives at home with his four siblings and channels his competitive spirit into Speech & Debate, wrestling, and theatre productions. He is a member of Rho Kappa, the Science Honor Society, and the National Honor Society, and he has a particular passion for learning new languages. Looking ahead, Andre plans to attend Mount Saint Mary’s University, where he will major in biology.
John Kellett — York Catholic | National Merit Commended Student
John Kellett, the son of Thomas and Marie Kellett, has been a fixture of school life at York Catholic since seventh grade, where he has excelled in athletics, leadership and service. He has competed in soccer, cross country and volleyball, while also serving as president of the Student Ambassadors, an executive board member of the Service Club, and a Student Council member. A committed pro-life advocate, John leads Students for Life and is active in the Theology Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Creative Writing Club, and with Extraordinary Ministers. He also serves as an altar server at St. Joseph Parish, York. Next fall, John plans to attend Christendom College to study theology and philosophy.
Brandon Miller — Bishop McDevitt | National Merit Commended Student
Brandon Miller brings energy and dedication to nearly every corner of life at Bishop McDevitt High School. On the athletic side, he competes on the soccer and track and field teams; in the arts, he lends his talents to the Choir Chorale, Tech Crew and the school musical. Brandon serves as President of Contra Mundum, the Catholic men’s fraternity, and is also active in the chess and political clubs. Beyond school walls, he altar serves at St. Matthew Parish in Dauphin and recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Scouts BSA — a testament to his commitment and character. This fall, Brandon plans to attend Messiah University to pursue a degree in nursing.
Samuel Parrish — Lancaster Catholic | National Merit Finalist
Samuel Parrish, a parishioner of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Rohrerstown and the eldest of three children from Wrightsville, has distinguished himself as a National Merit Finalist — the highest recognition among this year’s honorees. At Lancaster Catholic High School, Samuel is deeply involved in band activities, Quiz Bowl, Ski Club, the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the LEAD Club, the Spanish Club, and the Civitas Club. Outside of school, he plays piano and saxophone, performs with the Nextgen Community Orchestra, and participates in PMEA auditioned bands. He also enjoys skiing, boating, hiking and time with family and friends. Samuel plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Joseph Smithmyer — Trinity | National Merit Commended Student
Joseph Smithmyer exemplifies what it means to be a true student-athlete. Academically, he rises to the highest challenges Trinity High School has to offer, including five Advanced Placement courses, and his excellence has earned him membership in both the National Honor Society and the Math Honor Society. On the athletic front, Joseph competes in cross country and track and field and plays for the Junior Hershey Bears Ice Hockey Club. Away from the classroom and field, he is a musician of notable range, playing drums, bass guitar and electric guitar — rounding out a portrait of a young man of remarkable breadth and talent.
Ryan Swallow — Bishop McDevitt | National Merit Commended Student
Ryan Swallow is a standout scholar and servant-leader at Bishop McDevitt High School. A recipient of the College Board National Recognition Program Award, Ryan balances a busy athletic life — competing in varsity soccer and track and field while also playing on a travel club soccer team — with deep involvement in his school community. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society and the Math National Honor Society, and he gives back to younger students by coordinating a tutoring program in partnership with St. Joan of Arc School in Hershey. His faith life is equally active: Ryan is a member of the Catholic men’s fraternity Contra Mundum and participates in the Christian Service Club, while also serving as a student ambassador.
(Photo by Laura Loose, The Catholic Witness.)
