Senior Earns National Honor Society Scholarship
Since 1946, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has awarded more than $23 million in scholarships to outstanding National Honor Society seniors. This year, NASSP is awarding $2 million in scholarships to 575 students around the country (22 in Illinois) — and a Saint Viator senior is among them.
Michael O’Connor ’24 learned last month that he had earned one of the National Honor Society scholarships. He was recognized virtually in a national Zoom call on Feb. 28.
Any active member of the National Honor Society may apply for the scholarship. Recipients are selected not only for their academics, but qualities such as a service mindset, commitment to learning, leadership in the school and community, and character.
In Michael’s case, he is a Querbes Scholars and is enrolled in the STEM Program. He played soccer all four years, but also served as a FIRE Crew ambassador, in Student Council, and in the Engineering and Coding clubs.
He and his siblings, Charlie and Ellie, are triplets, and they spent some formative years in Singapore. Consequently, at Saint Viator they have excelled in the Chinese program.
Principal Jon Baffico says this prestigious scholarship acknowledges the kind of education that Saint Viator provides, namely one that is not only faith-based, but steeped in academic excellence while placing an emphasis on service and leadership.
“The National Honor Society Scholarship symbolizes a commitment to leadership, service and a pursuit of excellence that extends beyond the classroom,” Mr. Baffico says. “It is a celebration of the potential within every student to make a positive impact on the world."
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.