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Two Fox Lane Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists pose with school principal and school counselors
Updated
Gabriel Wierzchowski and Zachary Cohen pose in FLHS hallway

Fox Lane High School seniors Zachary Cohen and Gabriel Wierzchowski have been named Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

More than 1.3 million juniors entered by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, including the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Zach and Gabe have an opportunity to continue in the competition for a chance to win one of 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million. To become a Finalist, each student must submit a scholarship application, providing information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. They also need to be recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm their performance on the PSAT.

Zach and Gabe’s school counselors had many positive things to say about each student.

“Zach is extremely bright, driven, studious, and curious. He is also kind, appreciative, humorous, and a joy to work with,” said his school counselor, Jo-Ann Mullooly. “I am not at all surprised by Zach's tremendous accomplishment, and I know this is just one of many that he will achieve in his academic and professional career. He works very hard, is intrinsically motivated, and creates meaningful relationships with his teachers. I am so proud of Zach, and I am delighted that I had the opportunity to accompany his academic journey while at Fox Lane.”

Grade 6-12 Guidance Coordinator Jennifer Hickey, who is Gabe’s school counselor, was equally proud and impressed by Gabe.

“Gabriel is an academic superstar! He is innately bright and curious but also willing to put in the work needed to explore topics that interest him more deeply. While he excels in every discipline, he is particularly interested in Math and Science. He is always willing to help others and support his fellow classmates.”

Here’s an introduction to Fox Lane’s Semifinalists.

Zachary Cohen

What do you think helped you get to this level of academic success?
Specifically regarding the PSAT, I think my success comes from the fact that, wanting to get my regular SATs out of the way (especially before the switch to digital), I had spent the past 2-3 months leading up to the PSAT on rigorous SAT prep. Taking the PSAT with the SAT skills fresh in my mind definitely contributed to my score. Generally, I tend to credit my success to my luck in having a natural love for academics. I believe that anybody can excel at doing what they're passionate about, and I just happened to find that in many of the subjects taught at school. There are, of course, other factors—encouragement from my parents, studying hard, and the resources offered by my school—but I don't think I would have done as well had my interests been different.
 
Are you involved in any clubs, sports, or community groups?
No sports here—but I'm co-president of Science Olympiad with Gabe. I'm also a member of model congress, I volunteer with Neighbor's Link (once it starts up again), and I'm interning with a political campaign. 
 
It is early still, but do you have any hopes or plans for next year?
In college, I want to dual major in (mathematical) physics and public policy. I have some top choices, but I'm so excited to go to college that I don't care too much where I get in (as long as it has a good physics program). 
 
Do you have a favorite class and/or teacher? Why is it (or are they) your favorite?
Last year's AP Physics class was very transformative for me because it finally allowed me to get a formal education in something that, although I knew I was interested in it, I hadn't fully tested out. Initially, I was under the impression that the class wouldn't particularly pique my interest (I considered Mechanics to be the least cool field of physics). However, even in that class, the feeling I got from learning and doing physics is something I've yet to match in my life thus far. It felt like finally coming home after a very long trip. Overall, although I was already reasonably certain, this class solidified that physics is what I want to devote my life to. 
 
Do you have any advice for other students?
Academics don't reflect your aptitude, nor do they determine your value as a person. We are all specialized; everybody has a passion that they can excel in. Success is when you find that passion and get as deep into it as you can. 

 

Gabriel Wierzchowski

What do you think helped you get to this level of academic success?
I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up in a household where curiosity is encouraged and I’ve never felt limited by those around me. My parents and sisters have always been supportive and encouraging, showing me that I should always put my best foot forward in what I do and be proud of that, no matter the outcome.
 
Are you involved in any clubs, sports, or community groups?
Outside of school, I spend my time playing on our boys’ volleyball team, a club volleyball team, studying for Science Olympiad, helping out with school activities in our Student Union, and volunteering with the Crayon Initiative.
 
It is early still, but do you have any hopes or plans for next year?
I’m looking forward to attending college next year. I’m excited to explore the new extracurricular and academic opportunities associated with going to a university as well as using my newfound independence to learn more about myself.
 
Do you have a favorite class and/or teacher? Why is it (or are they) your favorite?
That’s a very easy yet difficult question to answer. Many teachers come to mind right away, but picking just one is harder to do. I feel like I’ve found an amazing teacher in each subject, and they’ve all made my studies in that topic uniquely enjoyable.
 
Do you have any advice for other students?
I think the reason why I’ve enjoyed my time with so many teachers is because I try to interact with them during and after school. Even if you don’t have any pressing questions, it’s so important to show up to extra help hours and have conversations with your teachers so that you feel more comfortable with them when you do need help.
 
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