Hard working St. Athanasius student Paolo Merisier is Regis High School bound

Dedicated 13-year old-student Paolo Merisier possesses an array of fine talents as well as an admirable work ethic that is well beyond his years.

Indeed, 2014 has been a satisfying year for the eighth grade student who attends St. Athanasius School in Bensonhurst. Not only did he win the school’s math bee (his favorite subject), he also received student of the month honors earlier in the year. However, perhaps the biggest news he received was that, this fall, he will be attending the highly exclusive Regis High School, located in the Upper East Side.

“It felt really good because I knew that throughout my years in school, I worked very hard,” said the Brooklyn-born Merisier. “It was great that my work paid off and I got into such a prestigious school.”

In order for the impressive feat to come to fruition, Merisier had to take an admission test as well as be interviewed by the school. “I was kind of nervous about it,” he admitted. “It’s nerve-racking when you have to interview to get into school.” Despite having some jitters, Merisier handled the challenge like he frequently has, with keen focus.

“They asked questions that help the school determine who you were and what you would do to better the school,” he said.

Merisier responding by displaying his desire to contribute to the school’s giving ways. “I said I would enjoy the service aspect of the school. I think I would be a good part of the student body. I’d like to contribute to their mission.”

The mission includes not only providing the 100-plus boys that are accepted into the school with an exceptional education, but also to create students who help others as best as they can, a lesson that Merisier already understands. “I do enjoy helping out at the Regis community and helping people,” he remarked.

As far as academics go, Merisier enjoys the problem-solving aspects of mathematics. “My favorite subject would be math. I have an interest in algebra as well as geometry,” he explained. “I really enjoy how we get to work everything out. There’s a way to solve it, depending on how you get the answer.”

However, despite his love for math, Merisier is considering all options for his career. “I’m thinking about being involved in medicine when I grow up and maybe become a doctor or surgeon,” he confided.

Along with winning the math bee, one of his more impressive accomplishments is that he never misses a day of school. But to the well-rounded Merisier, it’s difficult to choose one favorite achievement. “I think that there’s not one specific accomplishment at school for me, but the overall experience because I was able to enjoy being at St. Athanasius,” he said. “I have enjoyed it very much here.”

Though he’s excited about the future, Merisier also says he will miss his soon-to-be alma mater. “I’m going to miss my friends a lot when I go to Regis, but I’ll always remember everything I’ve done here,” Merisier mused.

As far as interests outside school, Merisier loves to read and play the piano, which he started learning at five years old and wants to continue with. He also plans to join different teams when he graduates. “I was thinking of going into sports like soccer or track when I go to Regis,” he said.

Along with the hard work, Merisier attributes his success to his mother. “I think that my mom has been a great inspiration and helped me get into Regis. She’s always been there for me and has encouraged me to do my best,” he said. “In that way, she’s helped me so much.”