Plymouth Whitemarsh High School student named a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School senior Leo Nasatir has been named a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Leo joins an elite group representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors who were the top scorers in their states on the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, this year approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were named across the country.

He is now eligible to move on in the competition to achieve Finalist status, a process that involves submitting an application detailing academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment and more. Finalists have the opportunity to win one of 6,700 scholarships available next spring.

Leo is well-equipped to move on, given that he is involved in many clubs and activities. He is a member of the Odyssey of the Mind team, the Marching Colonials and the Jazz Band, and the Jewish Student Union. He also serves as a trainer for the Anti-Defamation League Peer Mentoring program, and as a staff writer for the high school newspaper. In addition, Leo is a Student Representative to the Colonial School District Board of Directors.

As graduation approaches, Leo said he intends to go to college, but has not yet narrowed down his choices. He hopes to major in English or theater, and credits PW with providing him many opportunities to gain exposure to these two interests through classes and extra-curricular activities. For now, he is focused on enjoying his final year of high school.

“I’m looking forward to all the senior activities,” he said.