Two Baldwin seniors have earned National Merit letters of commendation. 

Ben Opferman and Jaden Philips earned the commendations by placing in the top 5 percent of students nationally on the PSAT when they took the test last year.

Opferman found out about his achievement while he was at a repair shop with his mom. His dad called and told him the news.

“I wasn’t expecting this to be a very big deal,” he said.

Opferman said he plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh because of its opportunities for law internships. He hopes to work in civil law in the future.

Philips, meanwhile, was at home when his mom said Principal Shaun Tomaszewski had called about the commendation.

“I knew I was qualified, but I thought the opportunity was not available because my score on the PSATs seemed too low,” he said. 

Phillips had practiced a little bit before taking the PSATs, but said he has practiced much more for his SATs. After high school, Philips plans to attend Penn State University.  

Counselor Sima Misquitta said the students’ commendations reinforced how important it is for students to take the PSAT in their sophomore or junior year.

“Taking the PSAT is also the best practice for the SATs that exists outside of private, expensive programs,” she said. “It makes a big difference.”