McAlester High School Salutatorian Joshua McMichael is the McAlester News-Capital‘s March Student of the Month.
McMichael is a senior at MHS and plans to go to Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond to major in biology. From there he will become a pediatric ophthalmologist.
As a child, McMichael went to a pediatric ophthalmologist every other week for four to five years. He lived in Abilene, and it was a five hour drive to get to the nearest pediatric ophthalmologist in Dallas.
He said he would be blind if his parents had not been able to take off work and travel as needed. He is thankful to his parents and wants to give back.
“It’s just something I want to be able to provide to others,” McMichael said.
His motivation to excel are his plans that can only be accomplished through academic excellence.
His father inspires him most with the action his unwavering faith leads him to.
He has 500 hours of volunteer time with Shared Blessings and helped at two orphanages on church mission trips.
“I have been fortunate enough to have resources that allow me to lead a comfortable life, but my faith compels action for the sake of those that are not in the same situation,” McMichael said.
McMichael has been part of the band throughout middle school and high school. He loves how rewarding it is when everything comes together when they perform together as a whole.
He is part of the Mock Trial Team and uses it as a way to have something without a grade attached.
“Both of these have acted as activities that allow me to take a break from other life stressors while also allowing me to spend time with my close friends. I also learned valuable life skills from these programs,” McMichael said.
McMichael has had many accomplishments during his time in high school, but there is one that stands out most to him.
“My biggest achievement is being the first National Merit Finalist from McAlester in many years,” McMichael said.
He also is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society, a member of HOSHA, was a delegate of the 2026 Congressional of Future Medical Leaders and graduated with honors from Biomedical Science Academy.
