Senior Receives Dual Congressional Nominations to Prestigious U.S. Service Academies

Montini Catholic High School proudly congratulates senior Eleanor Neal of Lombard on receiving Congressional nominations to both the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Eleanor is honored to be considered for two of the nation’s most prestigious service academies and looks forward to pursuing opportunities and a future career in the United States military following her graduation from Montini Catholic in May. She earned her Congressional nomination from ​U​.S. Representative Sean Casten (Illinois 6th Congressional District) after completing a highly competitive, months-long selection process that included written essays, interviews, review boards and selection committees.​ "Your achievements are impressive, and you are well-deserving of these nominations," said Representative Casten in his letter to Eleanor upon nomination recommendation from his Service Academy Nomination Review Board. "You have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, scholastic achievement and a strong desire to serve our nation."

“My family has a long connection to the Armed Forces, with most of my grandparents having served,” said Neal. “Service has always been an important part of my life.”

​Commitment to service runs deep in ​E​leanor's family. Her grandmother dedicated 30 years as a nurse with the Veterans Administration, and her brother, Maxwell, is a Montini Catholic ​2025 alumnus currently attending the United States Military Academy at West Point.

While a nomination does not guarantee ​​official appointment​ - final decisions are made by each academy’s admissions board​ - Eleanor is grateful for the opportunity and recognition this nomination represents.​  "It is a very nice honor and an important part of this journey.​"

“Eleanor’s Congressional nominations are a remarkable achievement and a reflection of her academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service,” said Principal Chris Tiritilli. “She exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our students and we are incredibly proud of her.”