MLHS National Merit Semi-finalists

We are beyond proud to share that three of our seniors have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. Elizabeth Hirschfeld, Leon Xie and Steven Yelpo have earned this prestigious distinction.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognized approximately 15,000 Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National

Steven Yelpo

Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. It should also be noted that New Jersey maintains the highest Selection Index cutoff score to be named a Semifinalist.

Elizabeth Hirschfeld

HOT OFF THE PRESS !!!.....The National Merit Scholarship Program has determined which of the 15,000 Semifinalist named and Congratulations goes out to Elizabeth, Leon and Steven for being selected as National Merit finalists!!! The selection of some 7,500 merit scholarship winners from the group is now in progress with student winners being emailed in March. Outstanding Job!

County College of Morris (CCM) is offering individuals an opportunity to embark on a well-paying career path in advanced manufacturing by taking part in on-the-job training through its CareerAdvance USA apprenticeship program.

The first step to becoming an apprentice in the CareerAdvance USA program is to take part in a boot camp to learn the basic skills needed for employment in advanced manufacturing. Totaling 213-hours, the boot camp covers all of the advanced manufacturing basics and gives students the opportunity to earn college credits over a four- to 10-week timeframe. An OSHA 10 General Industry Completion Card, up to five National Institute of Metalworking Skills certifications and a SolidWorks certification are awarded upon successful completion of the certification exam and required hours.

Job opportunities apprentices can pursue include computer numerical control operator, manual machinist, shop technician and CAD drafter. While the apprenticeship program is offered at no cost, there is a $3,750 fee, plus the purchase of supplies, to take part in the boot camp. Scholarships are available and payment is broken up over a period of time instead of being due as one lump sum.

CCM’s Center for Workforce Development, which is overseeing the program, will be holding a series of virtual open houses where individuals can learn more about the boot camp and apprenticeship program. The open houses take place:

· Wednesday, February 24, at 5 p.m. · Wednesday, March 10, at 9 a.m. · Wednesday, March 24, at noon · Wednesday, April 7, at 2 p.m. · Wednesday, April 21, at 5 p.m. · Wednesday, May 5, at 9 a.m

. Those interested in the program can sign-up for an information session and receive Zoom login information by visiting www.ccm.edu/apprenticeships/. CCM was awarded a four-year $4 million CareerAdvance USA grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to lead a consortium of New Jersey community colleges to create successful apprenticeship models in advanced manufacturing. with good job prospects, the field pays well with an average starting salary of $45,000 to $65,000 plus benefits after completing an apprenticeship.