Providence Catholic Senior Named National Merit Finalist

Providence Catholic senior Meghan Shea has been named a National Merit Finalist, Principal Dr. John Harper announced this week.

“We are very proud of Meghan who has achieved academic distinction in this highly competitive program. Her commitment to excellence is truly commendable,” said Harper.

Meghan Shea, daughter of Kevin and Susan Shea of Orland Park, is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School and a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. Shea received several academic scholarships to attend The Ohio State University, where she plans to major in Business/Finance. The honor roll student is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Augustinian Youth Ministry and Habitat for Humanity. She is an Illinois State Scholar, has been named PCHS Student of the Month and received the PCHS Geometry Honors Academic Award. Furthermore, Shea is a Student Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, Freshman Welcome Leader and has been a member of the cross country team for the past three years.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. More than 1.4 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year. Approximately 50,000 students are recognized as scholars; commended students represent two-thirds and semi-finalists represent one-third of the high scorers. From the semi-finalist group, some 15,000 students have met Finalist requirements.