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KHS senior named National Merit Commended Scholar

KHS senior named National Merit Commended Scholar

KENNEBUNK, Maine - A senior at Kennebunk High School has been named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Willow Knowles placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 national competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“Willow’s academic excellence reflects both individual dedication and the strong support of our school community," said Scott Tombleson, principal of Kennebunk High School. "This recognition highlights the caliber of students we strive to develop and the excellence we have on our teaching staff at KHS."

Knowles was given a certificate at a surprise ceremony in KHS’ lobby on Monday, with her mother and several teachers in attendance.

Willow Knowles

"I'm grateful for this recognition and especially thankful to my teachers who have challenged and supported me throughout high school," Knowles said.

Knowles said she is still figuring out her plans for after high school.

“While I am still unsure which college I want to attend or what career I want to pursue, I enjoy learning languages and experiencing new cultures, so I would like to teach English abroad for a few years after college,” Knowles said.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2025 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top three percent of more than 1.3 million students who entered the competition.

Letter of Commendation