Hoboken High School’s Madison Walia-Peters Named National Merit Scholarship Winner
Hoboken High School’s Madison Walia-Peters Named National Merit Scholarship Winner
Walia-Peters is the first Hoboken High School student to receive this prestigious award.
HOBOKEN, NJ – Hoboken High School proudly announces that senior Madison Walia-Peters has been selected as a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship recipient, a prestigious honor awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Madison is the first student from Hoboken High School to receive this distinguished scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to excellence.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a rigorous academic competition that evaluates students based on their Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores, academic records, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. Each year, only a select group of students nationwide are chosen for this highly competitive award.
“Madison’s achievement is a testament to her relentless dedication and passion for learning. She embodies the values of perseverance and excellence that we encourage at Hoboken High School. We couldn’t be more proud of her,” said Robin Piccapietra, Principal of Hoboken High School. “Earning a National Merit Scholarship is an extraordinary accomplishment, and Madison has made history as the first student from Hoboken High School to do so. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, and we know she will continue to achieve great things in the future.”
Madison’s exceptional academic performance, commitment to her studies, and dedication to the Hoboken Redwings community have set her apart as a role model for her peers. She has consistently excelled in the most challenging coursework while balancing extracurricular activities and community engagement.
Madison has represented the Hoboken School District at Princeton and Harvard Model Congress, as well as Saint Peter’s Model UN. A Governor’s STEM Scholar and Co-Captain of the Varsity Volleyball Team, she has also made significant contributions to student advocacy. In 2022, she co-authored an open letter in support of a $240 million bond referendum to fund a modern high school facility. She later founded the Health and Wellness Subcommittee of Student Government, launching initiatives focused on mental health, suicide prevention, and teen wellness. Throughout her years in the Hoboken Public School District, Madison has been an avid participant in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Program.
Madison’s academic achievements include 2nd Place in the U.S. Physics Olympiad, Honorable Mention in the U.S. Biology Olympiad, and recognition as a Stevens Institute of Technology Scholar. She was Hoboken’s highest-scoring student in the NJ Math League. She also earned the AP Scholar with Distinction award, the AP Capstone Diploma, and was recently named a semifinalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program—one of the country’s highest honors for high school students.
Madison is a published student researcher whose scholarly work explores the intersection of adolescent health, behavior, and environmental factors. Her article, “The Price of Calm: How Socioeconomic Stressors Shape High School Student Well-Being,” published in the Journal of Student Research (JSR), analyzes the correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and the mental and emotional well-being of high school students, shedding light on how economic and social pressures can impact student health.
In another peer-reviewed piece, “The Impact of Habitual Caffeine Consumption on Working Memory in High School Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study,” featured in Vanderbilt’s Young Scientist Journal, Madison examines how regular caffeine intake affects working memory in adolescents. Through these publications, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to academically rigorous inquiry and has contributed meaningful insights to the fields of youth wellness and cognitive science.
In addition to her writing, Madison has served as a research assistant at Stevens Institute of Technology, working with graduate students in biomechanics on a project analyzing data and contributing to a scholarly study.
“Madison is an exemplary student who has been a true pillar of our Hoboken Redwings community,” said James Terry, Hoboken High School Guidance Counselor. “I have seen how hard she has worked over the last four years while consistently challenging herself with the most rigorous coursework. She is certainly deserving of this scholarship, and I am thrilled to see her hard work appropriately rewarded.”
Madison joins an elite group of students nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional academic potential and dedication to their future goals. The $2,500 scholarship will support her pursuit of higher education as she embarks on the next chapter of her academic journey. Madison Walia-Peters has been named the Class of 2025 Salutatorian after completing 16 AP courses.
“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honor. I’m so grateful for the amazing teachers and academic support at Hoboken High School—special shoutouts to Mr. Munoz and Ms. Tank! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without them. I hope future Redwings continue to aim high and accomplish even greater things. When selecting a high school, do not overlook the opportunities you will receive at Hoboken High School!” said Madison Walia-Peters.
In the college and university search process, Madison was accepted to Cornell University, Boston University, Monash University (Melbourne, Australia), Northeastern University, University of California–San Diego, Rutgers University, University of California–Berkeley, University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia), University of Sydney (Sydney, Australia), University of California–Los Angeles, and the University of Michigan. She will attend Harvard University this fall to study Anthropology on a Pre-Med track.
For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.
About the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC):
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1955 to recognize and reward academically talented students across the United States. The organization administers the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program, which identifies top-performing students through their Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement. Each year, NMSC awards millions of dollars in scholarships to high-achieving students, supporting their pursuit of higher education.
About Hoboken High School:
Hoboken High School, located in Hoboken, New Jersey, is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement. The school offers a rigorous curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors programs, and extracurricular opportunities that prepare students for success in college and beyond. With a strong commitment to student achievement, innovation, and inclusivity, Hoboken High School empowers students to reach their full potential while contributing positively to their community. Home of the Redwings, the school takes pride in its diverse student body, passionate educators, and rich tradition of excellence.