Winner of Full-Tuition Scholarship to Merrimack College

High School senior Michael Norcia, 17, of Methuen, MA. recently won a full-tuition scholarship to Merrimack College (estimated $120,000 over four years) for demonstrating his science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge.

More than 50 students from six different states from as far as Maryland, participated in the first two rounds of Merrimack College’s STEM Scholarship Competition in which students were tested on their content knowledge in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as on their quantitative and analytical thinking skills.

Norcia was among the four top scorers in the first two rounds of the exam and continued on to the critical thinking round. During this third and final round of the exam, students were presented with specific open-ended problems and were asked to develop and present a creative solution to that problem. Michael’s solution was scored highest by a panel of judges that included Merrimack College School of Science and Engineering faculty members and invited professionals.

The three other finalists were each awarded $15,000 per year scholarships (four years): (left)David Lavoie (Chelmsford, Mass.); (2nd from right) Linden Krouse (Milford, N.H.); and (right) Michael Jutras (Goffstown, N.H.).

Michael Norcia, Winner of STEM Competition at Merrimack College
“I’m really excited about winning. The Merrimack faculty seemed really nice and very excited for me. My parents will have three children in college next year, so this will be a big help to them.” Michael is in the process of applying to Merrimack College for the fall.

Dr. Josephine Modica-Napolitano, dean of science and engineering at Merrimack  College
“The School of Science and Engineering was thrilled to host the STEM Scholarship Competition, the first of what is planned to become an annual event at Merrimack College. We were especially excited about offering this scholarship opportunity to students during these tough economic times. All four finalists did an excellent job and should be very proud of their efforts. We look forward to them joining our freshman class next year.”

Visit the STEM Competition photo gallery.

Photo Caption: Pictured here, STEM competition winner Michael Norcia stands with Dr. Josephine Modica-Napolitano, dean of science and engineering at Merrimack College.

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