Senior Joseph McCloughan Named A Semifinalist for the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program
Mr. Paul Houston, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, announced today that Joseph McCloughan (Mokena, IL) has been named a Semifinalist for the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
“We are extremely proud of Joseph,” said Mr. Houston. “This is quite an incredible achievement, and recognizes the immense work and studying Joseph has put into his academics. He is an outstanding member of the Providence Catholic community and we look forward to his continued success in school and beyond.”
Joseph is the son of Stephanie and Steven McCloughan. He is a member of St. Mary Mokena Parish, and is a graduate of Mokena Junior High. At Providence Catholic, Joseph has been actively involved as a member of the Math Team since sophomore year. He is also a member of the Chess Club, National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, and Intramural Sand Volleyball, and recently joined the new Stock Market Club. He has maintained honor roll all four years at Providence.
Athletically, Joseph is a captain of the Lacrosse Team since sophomore year, in addition to being a varsity player all four years. He received the CCL White Division All-Conference First Team award both his sophomore and junior years, and played basketball freshman and sophomore year.
“This award has expanded my educational possibilities,” says Joseph. “My original scope of potential college fits has been broadened. On top of this, if I am selected for this award, it could allow me to pursue an advanced degree in engineering or even a secondary degree because of the financial freedom it can grant.”
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
“I would encourage every student at Providence Catholic to take the PSAT their junior year,” adds Joseph. “Not only that, take the time to prepare for it, such as a week or two of review prior to the test. The importance of the PSAT and its scholarship opportunities cannot be emphasized enough.”