Andrew Weir: candidate for the US Presidential Scholar Program!

Senior Andrew Weir was selected as a candidate for the United State Presidential Scholar Program.  Students are chosen for outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT and nominated by the Chief State School Officer. 5,000 high school seniors have been invited to the competition which will be whittled down to 600 semifinalists (in April.) The Commission on Presidential Scholars will select up to 161 candidates as US Presidential Scholars.

What is the United States Presidential Scholars Program?

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon
graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic
achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to
recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many
areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to
recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and
performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate
ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars
are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of
greatness in America’s youth.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600
semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent
citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will
announce the Scholars in May.
U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition
Program each June. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential
Scholars Medallion.