Nation’s top high school seniors recognized by Ed Department
The nation’s top high school seniors are getting a pat on the back for their hard work by the U.S. Department of Education. The 48th class of Presidential Scholars have been named, with 141 students being recognized for their great strides in academics or the arts.
“Honoring Presidential Scholars is an important celebration of students showing the dedication, creativity and ambition to become future leaders,” said the U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a press release. “As national, state and local leaders work side by side with principals, teachers, and parents to make our schools better, we can learn from the students all around us whose hard work and accomplishments embody the kind of excellence we want every child to achieve.”
The students were chosen by the Obama-appointed White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. The panel makes their picks annually based on numerous criteria, including academic performance, transcripts, school evaluations, artistic excellence, essays, and the student’s track record in performing certain activities — like community service, leadership and displaying ”a committment to high ideals.” According to the Department of Education, more than 3,300 students were eligible for the award thanks to their high scores on the SAT and ACT tests and nominations from chief state school officers or the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.
One male and one female student from each state, along with Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and from those living abroad, are chosen to be a President Scholar. Fifteen additional students are chosen at-large and 20 others are named for their excellence in the arts.
A list of 2012′s Presidential Scholars is available online. A formal ceremony for the recipients will take place June 16, where the students will get a Presidential Scholar medallion.
