Good grades are not the only measure of success for Wantagh High School senior Michael Muscarnera, who was recently named a semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Finding time for his interests and passions is of equal importance, and he has achieved that balance quite well.

Michael will graduate in June having taken 13 Advanced Placement and college-level classes, meaning much of his four years will have been devoted to some of the most challenging coursework offered at the school. He’s also set aside plenty of time for his true love, music.

This year, in addition to four AP classes, he is a member of both the honors Wind Ensemble and the Concert Band, the latter of which he spends much time mentoring younger musicians. Michael is proficient in several instruments. After mastering the bass clarinet, he learned to play the bassoon, clarinet, French horn, tenor saxophone and trombone. The more instruments he learns, he said, the easier the next one becomes. 

He first joined the orchestra in third grade at Wantagh Elementary School, then switched to band as a fourth grader. His involvement in the music program has grown throughout high school and this year he is band co-president in addition to roles as pep band director and Tri-M Music Honor Society treasurer.

Michael also makes time for academic clubs as agenda chair for Model Congress and as a member of the Academic Team, Mathletes and Science Olympiad. He has already begun his college search as he looks to major in music education. 

Approximately 16,000 students nationwide were named National Merit semifinalists, with selection based on PSAT scores and other program requirements. Students who attain finalist standing will then compete for nearly 6,900 scholarships, totaling approximately $26 million. Michael must complete an application and write an essay for the finalist round.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Michael said about being named a semifinalist. “I’m curious to see where it goes, but I’m proud to have made it this far.”