Saluting York College Merit Scholars The Merit Scholars are a group of talented and academically high achieving young men and women in pursuit of their higher education. These students maintain a required academic standing of 3.25 to qualify and receive Merit Scholarships each year at York College. Honoring – Lisa Ellis Founding Operational Partner, Fireman Capital Partners, Charles Murphy Senior Vice President, Turner Construction and Queens City Council Member, Leroy Comrie.