Massapequa High School senior Ryan Keane has been named a semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. The recognition is based on his performance on the PSAT and now he will vie to reach the finalist round.
Ryan was recently notified by his guidance counselor, Victoria Rimbert, about the achievement, which was attained by approximately 16,000 students nationwide. The accomplishment has Ryan feeling “overjoyed” and “very honored.”
When he graduates high school in June, Ryan will have taken 12 Advanced Placement and college-level courses, along with 14 AP exams. In addition to taking on some of the most rigorous and challenging courses at the school, he is also involved in extracurricular activities as a member of the German Club, Mathletes, Science Olympiad team and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Computer science is Ryan’s primary area of interest, as he has taken numerous courses offered at the high school. It is also his planned college major. He noted that there are so many possibilities in the field, such as cybersecurity and game design, that he is keeping his career options open.
Ryan, who got his start at Fairfield Elementary School, credits his academic success to highly supportive parents and teachers. He also is very appreciative of the diverse range of courses and academic programs in Massapequa.
“They offer so many different classes,” he said. “There’s so much customization to your schedule.”
To be considered as a National Merit finalist, Ryan will have to complete an application and essay. Those who are named finalists will compete for approximately 6,900 scholarships totaling $26 million.
