Ryan M. McCarthy, of Belgrade, has been selected to become a member of The National Society of High School Scholars esteemed organization. McCarthy is a student at Messalonskee High School in Oakland, according to a news release from the society.

The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.

“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Ryan has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Nobel in the release. “Ryan is now a member of a unique community of scholars — a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

“We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” said NSHSS President James W. Lewis in the release. “We aim to help students like Ryan build on their academic success by connecting them with unique learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.”

NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. At each step along the way — from high school to college to career — NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions by providing unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study and peer networks.