Bensalem High School senior Tanvi Patnaik has been named a “Commended Student” in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, was presented to the scholastically-talented senior by BHS principal William Ferrara, and 12th grade assistant principal Stephen Garstka.
“Commended Students” are named on the basis of a nationally applied selection index score that may vary from year to year and is typically below the level required for participants to be named “Semifinalists” in their respective states.
Although “Commended Students” do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.
Patnaik has been a principal’s list honor roll student throughout high school. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Lemon Club, Mathletes, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and Reading Olympics. Her hobbies include dance, playing the violin and working with children. Patnaik plans to major in biology.
