South Brunswick Board honors 59 National Merit commended students

The South Brunswick Board of Education on March 5, 2026, recognized 59 National Merit commended students during its regular meeting, with High School Principal Peter Varela introducing honorees and Board President Laura Hernandez presenting certificates.

Varela described the National Merit recognition process and invited each student to name a staff member who influenced their success; the district presented teachers with framed copies of students’ letters, which were inscribed with artwork created by a senior. "You helped set up my foundation to pursue my passions," Varela read from one student letter as an example of the notes students wrote to their teachers.

The recognition was presented alongside a district recap of SB Reads Night and other library initiatives that reached families and students across elementary, middle and high schools. The district said about 800 people attended the SB Reads Night event, which included author visits, student activities, and community partners such as the public library and PTO.

The board and administrators thanked educators and staff members who supported the honorees and noted the role of district librarians and volunteers in promoting literacy. The meeting continued after the recognition to take up routine business.

The commended students were identified as part of the National Merit Scholarship Program’s recognition of high PSAT scores; the board presented certificates and the staff members named by students received framed letters of appreciation.