Four Seniors Named National Merit Finalists
In a rare achievement, this year’s senior class contains four National Merit Finalists. Principal Jon Baffico made the announcement when he learned the four had advanced from National Merit Semi-Finalists, which was announced last fall, to National Merit Finalists and are now able to compete for a National Merit Scholarship.
These high achieving students are John Hutchinson, Peter McLeod, Omar Salinas, and Sophia Stuber.
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These high achieving students are John Hutchinson, Peter McLeod, Omar Salinas, and Sophia Stuber.
“Their dedication, intellectual prowess, and commitment to excellence have not only brought honor to themselves but have also elevated the reputation of our school,” Mr. Baffico said. “We commend these exceptional individuals for their hard work and commendable achievement as they represent the epitome of academic excellence at Saint Viator High School.”
Saint Viator’s National Merit Finalists represent less than 1% of high school seniors and are among the highest-scoring entrants in each state. They were named semifinalists – and ultimately finalists – based on their PSAT scores taken in 2022, when they were juniors.
In order to advance from a semifinalist to a finalist, a student must demonstrate a strong academic record, participation in school and community activities and have demonstrated leadership abilities.
These Saint Viator seniors more than meet the criteria. Find a sampling of their co-curricular and academic involvement throughout their past four years below:
John Hutchison is a Querbes Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. He is a captain of the cross-country team and plays lacrosse, but he also has been elected to the Student Council and competed on the Scholastic Bowl team his sophomore and junior years.
Peter “P.J.” McLeod is a member of the lacrosse and cross country team, a Querbes Scholar, and a member of the National Honor Society and Mathematics Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta. He is captain of the Scholastic Bowl team, was a student leader at last summer’s Service & Song Camp, and played football throughout his freshman and sophomore years. In addition, he and his twin brother, Finn, are both Eagle Scouts.
Omar Salinas played golf during his freshman and sophomore years, but as a Querbes Scholar, he concentrated on STEM-designated courses while participating on the Scholastic Bowl team and in the Coding Club.
Sophia Stuber sang in the choir and participated in the tech crew for the annual play and musical, before running track each spring. As a Querbes Scholar, she also concentrated on STEM-designated courses, while mentoring underclassmen as a LINK leader and FIRE Crew ambassador.
By making it to the finalist stage, the students will be considered for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $28 million that will be awarded this spring.
By making it to the finalist stage, the students will be considered for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $28 million that will be awarded this spring.
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.