Elgin Academy student receives top honors

Elgin Academy senior Daniel Vecchiolla of St. Charles is a finalist in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor awarded to less than one percent of U.S. high schools' graduating seniors.

Vecchiolla was chosen as a result of his high standardized test scores, essay and involvement in extracurricular activities at the academy and in the community.

His parents are Joseph and Corinne Vecchiolla of St. Charles.

As a result of his standing, Vecchiolla will be entered into competitions for a variety of state and national scholarships. The National Merit Program is privately financed and the majority of scholarships offered are underwritten by some 500 independent sponsor organizations and institutions.

Chartered in 1839, Elgin Academy is a private, independent, non-sectarian school serving approximately 500 students in the northwest and west suburbs of Chicago. The academy offers a program of academic excellence for preschool through 12th grade. All of its graduating seniors attend top four-year colleges and universities. For information on Elgin Academy, visit www.elginacademy.org.