St. John Paul II Catholic High School recently announced that out of the 16,000 semifinalists named in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, Catherine Hare has met all requirements to advance to finalist standing in the competition. On Feb. 15, at a school assembly, Hare was recognized and received a certificate of merit from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Hare, daughter of William “Burke” and Mary Hare, is a senior at St. John Paul II Catholic High School. She participates in numerous student activities, including president of the House of the Holy Cross, co-captain of the TARC (The American Rocketry Challenge) Team, vice president of the Spanish Club, girls’ varsity basketball, Mu Alpha Theta (National High School Mathematics Honor Society), Aerospace Mentorship Program, and National Honor Society. She was selected to represent St. John Paul II Catholic High School in June 2022 for the Alabama Governor's School.

The entire St. John Paul II school community congratulated Hare on her outstanding accomplishments and her recognition as a National Merit Finalist. Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarship Awards to be offered later this spring.