The Bethlehem Area School District, in partnership with Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, acknowledges three Commended National Merit Scholar Students, one National Merit Finalist, along with recognition of an Excellence in Education Award-winning program.

Freedom HS recognizes three students as 2025–2026 National Merit Scholar Scholars: Gwen Adriguez, attending Drexel University’s College of Computing & Informatics; Sean Blackton, attending Le Moyne College; and Cody Smith, attending Arizona State University.

A Commended National Merit Scholar is a high-achieving student who places among the top 50,000 scorers (approximately the top 3-4%) of over 1.3 million participants in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Freedom also recognizes a fourth student as a National Merit Scholar Finalist: Ethan Fredericks, attending University of Texas at Dallas on a full scholarship

A National Merit Finalist is a high-achieving U.S. high school senior who scored in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT, advanced from semifinalist status and submitted a competitive application including SAT/ACT scores and a school recommendation. Awarded to only 15,000 students nationally every year.

“Earning National Merit recognition is an outstanding achievement, and we are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work and determination,” said Laurie Sage, Freedom principal. “They exemplify the high standards of excellence here at Freedom, and we look forward to all they will achieve in the next chapter of their journey.”

BASD also recognizes Launch Your Career: Pre-Apprenticeship Program as an Excellence in Education (EIE) Award winner:

The award highlights the district’s commitment to innovative programming that connects students to meaningful career exploration, hands-on learning, and real-world workforce pathways. The program was nominated by Rick Amato, BASD supervisor of business, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Having three National Merit Scholars in a single cohort is an extraordinary accomplishment and speaks to the talent, perseverance, and academic excellence of our students,” said Dr. Jack Silva, BASD superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of Gwen, Sean, Cody and Ethan, and we also celebrate the educators behind the Launch Your Career Pre-Apprenticeship Program for creating transformative learning experiences that prepare students for the future.”

“Recognitions like these showcase both the academic excellence and innovative programming thriving in our schools,” said Dr. Maureen Leeson, assistant superintendent. “We are honored to celebrate students and educators whose work exemplifies commitment, creativity, and success.”