Providence Catholic is proud to announce senior Peter Conser of Lockport, Illinois, has been named a Semifinalist in the 2023-2024 Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

“This is a significant and memorable achievement for Peter,” says Mr. Paul Houston, Principal of Providence Catholic. “There were 1,515 Semifinalists chosen from more than 103,000 applicants. Peter being chosen as a semifinalist is a recognition of his academic achievements as well as his leadership within the Celtic community. We are extremely proud of Peter and what he has achieved in the classroom and beyond.”

Semifinalists are competing for 150 college scholarships worth $20,000. To celebrate Coca-Cola’s centennial in 1986, The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers came together to fund the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. With the 35th class in 2023, the Foundation has provided over 6,750 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $81 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

“I was surprised when I was notified, because there is less than a one percent acceptance rate,” says Peter. “I have always had a large curiosity to learn and gain more knowledge, especially pertaining to subjects like science. This scholarship would be a tremendous help to me in paying for college.” Peter is a graduate of Homer Junior High. He plans to study molecular biology on a pre-med track in college. At Providence Catholic, he is involved in many clubs and activities, including serving as President and Chief Editor of Proviscope (school newspaper), leading as a Student Ambassador, and a Student Council Representative.

“Peter is a hard worker and a dedicated student,” says Huda Hamdan, Director of Counseling at Providence Catholic. “He excels in the classroom and in the clubs and activities he is involved in. This is an exceptional opportunity for him.”

Semifinalists are now asked to complete Phase 2 applications, which include essays, a recommendation, and a transcript. An independent selection committee will review the applications and recommend 250 Regional Finalists by the end of January to take part in online interviews. 150 Coke Scholars will be named in March to receive a $20,000 college scholarship and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April, where they will be the guests of honor at the 36th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni.

In addition to receiving college scholarships, those students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a vibrant and growing community of alumni that has become a powerful force for positive change in the world. Through networking, collaborations, and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together. Recent initiatives include a podcast called The SIP (The Coke Scholars Ignite Podcast) and the sixth year of a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year Scholars as they transition to college. Every 5 years, all alumni are invited to a Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit.

Learn more about college counseling at Providence Catholic by visiting us online at www.providencecatholic.org.