Cotter Senior Francis Koll Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

Cotter Schools is proud to announce that senior Francis Koll has been named a Semifinalist in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. Francis, the son of Colleen and Dan Koll, is one of just 16,000 students nationwide and 288 in Minnesota to earn this distinguished honor. This achievement places him among the most academically talented high school seniors in the country, and he now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for scholarships totaling $33 million.

Francis earned this recognition as a top scorer on the PSAT/NMSQT®, ranking among the highest in both the United States and Minnesota. To advance as a National Merit Finalist, he will submit a detailed application showcasing his academic record, school and community involvement, leadership roles, and personal achievements. Finalists are recognized as Merit Scholars, making them eligible for National Merit Scholarships to support their future studies.

In addition to his academic success, Francis is an active member of the Cotter community. He participates in track and soccer, as well as school activities such as speech, marching band, theater, and the National Honor Society. He credits his family as his greatest inspiration, noting that they have motivated him to engage with challenging topics, critically analyze ideas, and cultivate a love for inquiry and exploration.

“We are excited by Francis’s accomplishments, whether they be in the classroom, on a stage, or on the field,” said Evan Howard, Assistant Principal at Cotter Schools. “His intellectual curiosity and drive to challenge himself is precisely what we hope for in all of our students. We are proud that Francis has been recognized in this nationwide competition, and our community wishes him the best as we look forward to his continued success.”

As a Semifinalist, Francis will now be considered for one of the 6,870 National Merit Scholarships to be awarded in 2025. Please join us in congratulating Francis on this incredible achievement and wishing him the best of luck as he advances to the next stage of the competition.