Conor Kaefer Earns National Merit Finalist Recognition
Barb Dawson • March 3, 2025

Congratulations, Conor!

Montini Catholic Principal, Chris Tiritilli, is proud to announce that senior Conor Kaefer (Lombard) is among the National Merit Commended Semifinalists (named in September of 2024) who have met all requirements to advance to the Finalist standing in the competition.  

Conor is currently being considered for National Merit Scholarship awards. In September of 2024, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) was proud to announce the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors had an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered. To compete for National Merit Scholarships, Semifinalists advanced to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several additional requirements. About half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

Since its founding, NMSC has recognized over 3.5 million students and provided some 470,000 scholarships worth over $1.8 billion. The honors awarded by NMSC to exceptionally able students are viewed as definitive marks of excellence. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.Recipients of Merit Scholarship® awards, Achievement Scholarship® awards, and corporate-sponsored Special Scholarships have increased the nation's respect for intellectual accomplishments and have contributed significantly to its talent pool of future leaders.
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