ALL IN THE FAMILY
National Merit Scholarship semifinalist follows siblings’ footsteps in academic successes
NORWALK — Norwalk has had students commended by the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. But Paul Buellesbach, 16, is the first Norwalk student in the last several years named a semifinalist.
The Brien McMahon High School senior is also one of 16,000 semifinalists named across the country, representing less than 1 percent of United States high school seniors who entered the program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
“It’s something I’m kind of proud of,” Buellesbach said. “It’s something I worked hard for, so I’m glad it paid off.”
This point of pride for Norwalk is the latest academic achievement in the Buellesbach family. Paul is the youngest of five siblings, which includes a twin brother. All of the siblings attended Brien McMahon, with two being named valedictorian of their graduating class and one named salutatorian. Buellesbach also is the second in his family to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
“We are proud and honored to have Paul’s hard work and dedication recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a Semifinalist. Not only is Paul an exceptional student, he is a vibrant member of our community who approaches everything he does with a well-known sense of humor,” said Brien McMahon High School Principal Scott Hurwitz.
Merit Scholar semifinalists are selected based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in college studies, according to a release from the district. Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools took the PSATs, which acted as the initial screener. Next, interested students must submit an application including their academic record, an essay, recommendations and a resume of school and community activities.
Buellesbach’s resume helped him stand out, he said. On top of being enrolled in mostly Advanced Placement or IB courses last year, he plays clarinet
in the marching band, participates in Math and Drama clubs, is a member of the school’s golf team, volunteers for Person-to-Person and the Maritime Aquarium, and does Boy Scouts — he’s on track to become an Eagle Scout later this year.
How does he pull it all off? Organization is key, he said.
“I’m a very organized person,” Buellesbach said. “I love to plan out my days. That’s how I do it.”
When coronavirus struck in the spring and Buellesbach’s golf season was cut short and his Eagle Scout project of cleaning trails at White Barn Preserve was postponed to July, he found himself with a little more free time. So, over the summer, Buellesbach took an extra math course online from the University of Massachusetts system to supplement the courses he already takes through Norwalk Community College.
Where Buellesbach will land next remains to be seen. He’s narrowing down his list of colleges and putting together his applications. He’s most interested in a math-related major.
In February, Buellesbach will find out if he moves onto the finalist round in the scholarship program.