Saint Viator Students Recognized as National Merit Scholars

Saint Viator High School has already had a near-record number of National Merit Semi-Finalists, with five students earning PSAT scores high enough to qualify.

School officials learned last week that they also had a large number of National Merit Commended Scholars, as well.

In all, 11 students received letters of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in recognition of their “outstanding academic promise.” They placed among the top five percent of the 1.5 million nationally that took the test. They are:

Patrick J. Crane of Cary

Jacquelyn P. Cruz of Palatine

Sara M. Fecko of Arlington Heights

Madeline B. Kelly of Arlington Heights

Conor M. Kinasz of Des Plaines

Joseph M. Lorenzini of Arlington Heights

Elizabeth A. Meehan of Des Plaines

Erin M. Murphy of Palatine

Marilyn R. Stephen of Hoffman Estates

Orrin B. Wolf of Palatine

Alyssa Abay of Streamwood

These students were selected based on a nationally applied selection index score that reflects their achievements in critical reading, mathematics and writing skills. They just narrowly missed reaching the semi-finalist level.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation was established in 1955 to conduct the annual scholarship program. Its scholarships are underwritten by the nonprofit organization, and by approximately 440 business organizations and higher education institutions.

They all share a set of common goals: “to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.”

Saint Viator Principal Eileen Manno said these students excel in and out of the classroom, and have scored well on their pre-college testing in part because of their rigorous course work at Saint Viator.

“It’s a tremendous accomplishment for these students and their families,” Manno said. “National Merit recognition reflects all their hard work, as well as the school’s commitment to academic excellence.”

Manno pointed to the school’s commitment to curriculum mapping, which includes identifying ACT benchmarks for college readiness, as well as its expanded Advanced Placement class offerings and an overall shift in moving beyond content to skill development for students.

“Mostly, it’s a result of these students’ efforts,” Manno said, “from their dedication to their openness to learning.”

—Article submitted by Paige Wiser, director of communications at Saint Viator High School