Three Fox Lane High School seniors were recently recognized as Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Justin Cohen, Jackson Lubinsky and Evan Stackle were among the top 50,000 students nationwide who took the 2025 PSAT.
"Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," said a spokesperson for National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."
Fox Lane High School Principal Jennifer Amos noted how incredible this achievement is.
“Every fall when we administer the PSAT at Fox Lane High School, our students join roughly 3 million others in taking this assessment,” Amos said. “To score at the top of that huge pool of test takers is truly an accomplishment!”
We asked Justin, Jackson and Evan a few questions to learn a little more about them.
What do you think helped you get to this level of academic success?
I believe that the best way to find academic success is to constantly challenge yourself. By facing obstacles and learning how to problem-solve, students gain a fundamental idea of how to go about addressing difficult questions. One thing that helped me personally was opting to take the accelerated math course here at Fox Lane. The track is tremendously rigorous and has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone, to adapt to the pace of the class and to understand the importance of critical thinking.
Are you involved in any clubs, sports or community groups?
I've played on the school's lacrosse team since seventh grade. I believe that participating in sports and other club activities is the best way for people to learn how to work as a team. Nothing is better than hands-on experience, and any school sport, along with clubs like Science Olympiad, will give students that experience.
It is early still, but do you have any hopes or plans for next year?
Next year, I hope to continue my learning at college. While I do have a preference as to what school I attend, I firmly believe that I will have the time of my life wherever I end up. I'm super excited to experience college and make a bunch of new friends along the way.
Do you have a favorite class and/or teacher? Why is it (or are they) your favorite?
From as early as kindergarten, my favorite subject has always been math. I enjoy solving problems and figuring out how different concepts fit together. I like that there is often a clear answer, but getting there can require a lot of creativity and persistence. I’ve also been lucky to have teachers who make the subject interesting and encourage me to challenge myself. Thank you, Mr. McGinn, Ms. Olego, Mr. Kimmerle and Dr. Tozzo for keeping me engaged and helping me develop throughout the years.
Do you have any advice for other students?
Stay consistent, ask for help when you need it and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. The point of school is to challenge you in a way that will help you adapt. Try to get involved in things you genuinely enjoy, whether that’s a sport, a class or something outside of school. Most importantly, focus on improving yourself rather than comparing yourself to everyone else. Set your own goals and expectations and work as hard as you possibly can to achieve them.
What do you think helped you get to this level of academic success?
Support from my family and friends. It was definitely helpful to have an older sister who did all of these classes before me and could help me out. Also, both of my parents were educators, so they have always helped me learn any topics I struggled with. Studying alone or with friends is also a big part of my academic success.
Are you involved in any clubs, sports or community groups?
I am on the boys volleyball team for Fox Lane and Prodigy Volleyball Academy, and I am a regular member of Science Olympiad, Rock Ensemble, Bridges to Community, Coding Club (which will be coming to the high school soon) and It's Elementary.
It is early still, but do you have any hopes or plans for next year?
I haven't really thought about it yet. I want a good college experience wherever I go, preferably one where I can meet a lot of people and get involved in many different engineering projects.
Do you have a favorite class and/or teacher? Why is it (or are they) your favorite?
I like all my classes, but I've always loved doing long projects in engineering with Mr. Pope. Building something from the ground up over the course of a few weeks is so much fun. Every project is different and unique. One of my favorite projects in his class was the automated conveyor I made sophomore year. We cut that one really close to the deadline.
Do you have any advice for other students?
Every class or assignment — no matter how hard — is still possible, and it won't last forever. Make sure to budget your time, and make time to enjoy things outside of school just to stay sane.
What do you think helped you get to this level of academic success?
I think my teachers and family have combined to push me to this level of success, with my teachers giving me tools to be successful, and my parents helping me use these tools.
Are you involved in any clubs, sports or community groups?
I am involved or have been involved with volleyball, baseball, football, Science Olympiad, It’s Elementary and other school volunteering events.
It is early still, but do you have any hopes or plans for next year?
I hope this award will help me get into a good college, as I plan to attend next year.
Do you have a favorite class and/or teacher? Why is it (or are they) your favorite?
My favorite class was AP Chemistry with Mr. Neumann. I really liked his fast-paced and interesting style of teaching, and I thought that he balanced this very well with making sure every student understood the content.
Do you have any advice for other students?
My advice would be to trust your teachers and parents, as they only want to help you through life.
Courtesy of Bedford Central School District
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here