Three receive Presidential Scholar awards

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster congratulated three graduating seniors for being named Presidential Scholars, the highest national honor bestowed on high school students.

“The Presidential Scholars award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contributions to school and community,” she said. “These seniors are representative of the many fine students who will be graduating from our state’s high schools in the coming weeks and are deserving of our congratulations and encouragement for their continued success.”

Students selected from Wisconsin are Theresa C. Anderson, Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha; Nathaniel D. Little, Cedarburg Senior High School; and Grace E. Weber of Wauwatosa, Pius XI High School, Milwaukee. Weber was chosen as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. The three, along with teachers they named in their applications as their most inspiring and challenging, will travel to Washington, D.C., June 24-27 for National Recognition Week. While there, the scholars and teachers will meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists, and other dignitaries. Students will receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

Students chosen as Presidential Scholars were among 2,700 candidates who qualified on the basis of outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT college admissions tests, or nomination through the annual Arts Recognition and Talent Search conducted by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. Candidates were invited to apply, a process that included essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of leadership, community service, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. The 28-member White House Commission on Presidential Scholars made the final selection of 141 Presidential Scholars from a pool of 500 semifinalists.

The Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 to honor academic achievement and was expanded in 1997 to recognize students who demonstrated exceptional talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts.

Last updated on 5/30/2006