Update, Sept. 15: Following the late release of a United States Department of Agriculture waiver, all student breakfasts and lunches will be free through Dec. 31 or as long as funding is available, the Hopkinton Public Schools Food Services Department announced. Students at the schools will not need to pre-order meals, contrary to what had previously been stated. Meals for remote learners (both 100 percent and hybrid) will be available at Project Just Because (109 South St.), and those must be pre-ordered. Project Just Because is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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According to an email from the Hopkinton Public Schools Food Services Department, the school cafeteria will be offering a “limited yet healthy and nutritious lunch menu daily.” However, no cash or checks will be accepted. All payments must be made online via MySchoolBucks.com or mailed to the Finance Department (89 Hayden Rowe St.). Additionally, all meals must be pre-ordered one week in advance.

The Food Services Department also recognized the “countless families and community members of Hopkinton who have donated to our ‘Lunch Heroes’ account since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to their selflessness and generosity during this incredibly challenging time, we were able to pay off all the negative lunch accounts, which totaled over $7,500. This gift from our community is unprecedented and has helped out many families who have been hit with financial insecurities during the pandemic.”

Those interested in free or reduced-price school meals can complete an application located on the Food Service page of the district website.

4 from HHS among scholarship semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Program announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists for its 66th annual program, and four Hopkinton High School students made the list: Alex Fomin, Olivia Jones, Andrea Liu and Rohan Minocha.

The National Merit Scholarship Program “honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.” The organization stated that it will offer about 7,600 scholarships worth more than $30 million next spring.

Shanmugam graduates from Ursuline

Hamsa Shanmugam of Hopkinton was one of 91 young women to graduate from Ursuline Academy, an independent Catholic school for grades 7-12. The graduation ceremony was held outside on the campus grounds in Dedham last month. Shanmugam will attend Brown University.