Rockville Centre student Maria Passarelli named a National Merit semifinalist

South Side High School senior Maria Passarelli has been named a 2011 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Maria is described by school administrators as an extraordinary student who has excelled in the rigorous International Baccalaureate and has spent several summers con- ducting research at the prestigious Rockefeller University.

School administrators say that Maria is also an active member of the student government, serving as the organization’s secretary and she is a talented and accomplished musician. Maria has also found the time to be involved in numerous additional school and community-based clubs and activities. Her accomplishments are truly commendable., they say .