12 State Students Compete as Presidential Scholars
From the DPI Bulletin
Twelve students from Wisconsin are among the 500 semifinalists nationwide
in the 1998 Presidential Scholars Program.
The semifinalists are:
- Sarah M. Berman, West High School, Madison;
- Samuel E. Cheng, Whitefish Bay High School;
- Marna J. Eckels, Arrowhead High School, Hartland;
- Teena M. Gerhardt, Memorial High School, Madison;
- Joseph D. Hansen, Hudson Senior High School;
- Courtney A. Jensen, Southwest High School, Green Bay;
- Philip J. Matchett, Logan High School, La Crosse;
- Joshua L. Passman of Shorewood, University School of Milwaukee;
- Angela K. Pondell, Verona High School
- Moire K.M. Prescott, Memorial High School, Madison;
- Bradley C. Schumitsch of Green Bay, Ashwaubenon High School; and
- Troy P. Swift, Platteville High School.
The 500 semifinalists were among 2,600 seniors identified as candidates
from nearly 2.5 million graduating seniors. Presidential Scholars are
chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas: academic,
artistic success, leadership, and involvement in school and the community.
For the academic component of the Presidential Scholars Program, students
are identified as candidates if they scored exceptionally well on either
the SAT or ACT college admissions tests. To be considered further, students
had to submit candidacy materials including essays, self-assessments,
secondary school reports, and transcripts. Students may not apply individually
to the program, nor may their schools nominate them.
From the 500 semifinalists, 121 seniors will be chosen as Presidential
Scholars for their broad academic achievements. Another 20 students are
selected on the basis of their academic and artistic scholarship in the
visual or performing arts or creative writing.
The Presidential Scholars Commission, a group of private citizens appointed
by the president, selects the Presidential Scholars, choosing one young
woman and one young man from Scholar Presidential Semifinalists each state,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad.
Another 15 scholars are chosen at-large, and 20 are chosen for their achievement
in the arts. The scholars will travel to Washington, D.C., to receive
the Presidential Scholars medallion.
Established by Executive Order in 1964, the Presidential Scholars Program
is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. The
Department of Public Instruction is planning a reception to honor Presidential
Scholar Semifinalists on June 8.
Posted May 1, 1998