Students Nationally Recognized by College Boards

Students at Hoboken High School Nationally Recognized by the College Board
Posted on 09/01/2025

Students at Hoboken High School Nationally Recognized by the College Board 


The 2025 National Recognition Program awarded over 280,000 high-performing students to help them stand out to colleges


Hoboken, NJ, — The Hoboken Board of Education is proud to celebrate the achievements of 34 Hoboken High School students who earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program. This national program, available on BigFuture®, helps students stand out in the competitive college and scholarship application process by highlighting their outstanding academic performance.

Every year, talented students earn recognition based on their achievements on College Board assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® Exams. In 2025, the program featured three award categories:

  • First-Generation Recognition Award
  • Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award
  • School Recognition Award, newly introduced this year to honor top-performing students in every high school, including those that may be lesser-known on a national level.

“This year, we are thrilled that 34 of our students were honored through this prestigious program,” said Robin Piccapietra, Hoboken High School Principal. “We’re incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and academic excellence. This recognition not only reflects their hard work in high school, but also strengthens their opportunities for success in higher education and beyond.”

To be considered for the College Board National Recognition Program, students must verify their eligibility during their sophomore or junior year by meeting specific criteria. They are required to take the PSAT/NMSQT in 10th or 11th grade, the PSAT 10 in 10th grade, and/or AP Exams by the end of 10th grade. 

In addition, students must earn a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher (3.3 or above) by the time of submission. Eligibility also includes being among the top 10% of test takers in their high school, qualifying as a first-generation college student in their state, or being identified as a rural or small-town student in their state. Alternatively, students can qualify by earning a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams taken in the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade.

The recognition not only highlights student achievement but also opens doors. Thousands of nonprofit colleges and scholarship organizations using the College Board Student Search Service™ can connect with awardees, expanding opportunities as students prepare for their next steps.

“We are deeply committed to clearing a path for each and every student to take ownership of their future. We are excited that this program recognizes achievements of students across the country,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “With the highest participation in the program’s history this year, we are proud to support these students on their future paths.”

To see a complete list of National Recognition Program recipients  from Hoboken High School: Click Here

The Hoboken Board of Education commends all awardees for their academic achievement, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. These students truly embody the spirit of the Redwings community, and their recognition reflects the district’s mission to prepare all students for a “big future.”