Phyllis Thangaraj, Leonardo section of Middletown, and a senior at the Ranney School, Tinton Falls, has been chosen to receive a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. Winners are selected on academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and potential for success in college studies. Thangaraj was also chosen for participation in the New Jersey Governor’s School for Science. She is also an AP Scholar With Distinction, Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, and member of the Ranney School Chapter of Cum Laude Society. She will attend Yale University, New Haven, Conn., next fall.
Matthew Larotonda, Red Bank, will take part in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Gift of Discovery program in Italy June 1-10. The program is an all-expenses-paid educational and cultural initiative for Italian-American students sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation. The program includes tours, museums, cooking lessons, hikes, and other activities. Larotonda is a student at American University, Washington, D.C.