Montgomery, Ala. – Three Alabama public high school students are Semifinalists in the 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Only 560 Semifinalists nationwide are eligible for consideration as 2010 Presidential Scholars – one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars has selected these outstanding students from nearly 3.2 million graduating seniors.
Alabama’s 2010 Presidential Scholars Semifinalists
· Gary K. Gray, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, Jefferson County Schools
· Ms. Kasey R. Hill, Virgil I. Grissom High School, Huntsville City Schools
Alabama’s 2010 Recommended Scholar in the Arts
· Crystal R. Vanrell, Virgil I. Grissom High School, Huntsville City Schools
Application for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. Initially, candidates are identified based on SAT and ACT scores. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars reviews application and selects students based on academic and/or artistic scholarship, leadership, and involvement in school and community.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was expanded to include students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. The President appoints the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars members, who include the National Teacher of the Year as well as leaders in medicine, law, social services, business and other professions.
To learn more about the Presidential Scholars Program, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html, call 202-401-0961, or email PSP@act.org. For more information about the Arts component, contact the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts at 1-800-970-ARTS (2787) or visit www.nfaa.org.
###