NHS Student Candidate In Presidential Scholars Program

Brian Hunt, a graduating senior at Newtown High School, has been named one of more than 2,600 candidates in the 2005 Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.8 million students expected to graduate from US high schools in the year 2005.

Now in its 41st year, inclusion in the 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 2,600 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT assessment. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and academic transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalists in early April.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of some 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will make final selection of the scholars. They will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and US students living abroad; 15 students at-large and up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts. The US Department of Education will announce the scholars in May.

The scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators and other leading individuals in public life.

For more information on the Presidential Scholars program, email PSP@act.org.