MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District announced Sept. 28 that Damien Paluch has been recognized as a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

“Those being named commended students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” a statement from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation said.

A senior at Moses Lake High School, Paluch received the honor in recognition of his scholastic talents. He is one of about 34,000 students out of the nation’s more than 15 million high school students recognized for exceptional academic promise. While not continuing in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship awards, commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation,” the NMSC statement said.

Paluch is also an accomplished swimmer who was one of nine Mavericks to attend state competition in February. He placed third in the 500-yard Freestyle event during Districts, among other accomplishments.

Editor’s Note: The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates Damien for his accomplishments and dedication to his education. If you know of a student who is excelling academically — or otherwise — please send us a news tip at editor@columbiabasinherald.com so we can help ensure our local youth receive the recognition they deserve.