Claire Mauney and Angelina Nie, two academically gifted seniors from Byram Hills High School in Chappaqua, New York, have been awarded $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. They are among nearly 7,000 students selected from 15,000 finalists based on their academic skills and potential for success in college. Angelina plans to study biology at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Honors Carolina) and expressed gratitude for the support from her teachers and family. Her school counselor, Gary McCarthy, praised her dedication and creativity in both art and science. Claire, who will attend Duke University to double major in economics and statistical science, also highlighted the importance of hard work and perseverance in her academic journey. Her counselor commended her intellectual curiosity and commitment to helping others. The National Merit Scholarship program began with over 1.3 million students competing by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.