Ori Putterman, a senior at Yeshiva University’s High School for Boys (YUHSB), was announced as a winner of the prestigious 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The 2,500 winners from throughout the US were culled from a pool of over 15,000 finalists, who were chosen by a committee of colleges admissions officers and high school counselors for their accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in university studies.

“Ori is a brilliant student who has made incredible contributions to YU High School for Boys, both academically and in terms of extracurricular activities,” said Dr. Seth Taylor, principal of general studies at YUHSB. “I am so glad that he chose to come here, where he could take advantage of our advanced program and classes at YU that allowed him to reach his full potential.”

Winners of the prize receive $2,500, to be used at any regionally accredited US college or university. The basis for selection was academic records, scores from two standardized tests, school and community activities, as well as an essay and recommendation.

Competition for the scholarships began in October 2012, when roughly 1.5 million high school juniors took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, an initial screening of competitors.

“Winning the National Merit Scholarship is a validation of all the hard work that I have invested into my high school career,” said Putterman, a native of New Jersey.

Putterman plans to major in economics or computer science at Yeshiva College’s Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program.

“From allowing me to take AP calculus in freshman year to enabling me to take all my secular classes in YU as a senior, YUHSB has definitely promoted my intellectual development,” added Putterman.

The young scholar thanked his instructors at Yeshiva College, Physics Professor Dr. Edward Berliner and Political Science Adjunct Instructor Dr. Maria Zaitseva, “for pushing me to my limits – I learned a lot about myself and the world from them.”