Saint Peter Public Schools

Saint Peter High School Student Services staff were recently notified that SPHS senior Matthew Timmerman, the son of Sonja and Jim Timmerman, has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship program. A letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented to Timmerman by SPHS Principal Annette Engeldinger and Regina Sirianni, SPHS School Counselor.

(PICTURED ABOVE) SPHS senior Matthew Timmerman (center) was recently named as National Merit Scholarship program’s Commended Student for academic excellence. Timmerman is shown here receiving his award from SPHS Principal Annette Engeldinger (left) and SPHS School Counselor Regine Sirianni (right). 

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the U.S. are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/Nationa Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

According to a press release from NMSC, those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. The hope is that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”