Providence Senior Named Semifinalist In Coca-Cola Scholars Program

LOCKPORT, IL — Providence Catholic senior Peter Conser, of Lockport, has been named a semifinalist in the 2023-24 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, according to a release from the school.

“This is a significant and memorable achievement for Peter,” Paul Houston, Principal of Providence Catholic, said in a release. “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, the school said. 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.

“I was surprised when I was notified, because there is less than a one percent acceptance rate,” Conser said in a release. “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.”

Conser is a graduate of Homer Junior High in Homer Glen. The school said 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,” Huda Hamdan, Director of Counseling at Providence Catholic, said in a release. “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, according to the school.