Thirteen
Georgia public school students recognized
MEDIA
CONTACT: Matt Cardoza, GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org
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May
14, 2015 – Thirteen students from Georgia public
high schools have been named semifinalists in the 2015 U.S. Presidential
Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Each year, up to 141 students are named as U.S. Presidential Scholars. The 13
Georgia students are among 565 semifinalists named this year.
“I
am enormously proud of these students and their hard work,” State School
Superintendent Richard Woods said. “Receiving this honor is not possible
without diligence, persistence, and a true desire to seek knowledge. I wish
them the best as selection continues and cannot wait to see what they accomplish
in the future.
”Students
have the opportunity to become U.S. Presidential Scholars based on two paths of
accomplishment. The majority of the scholars are selected on the basis of broad
academic achievement; additionally, 20 additional students are selected on the
basis of their academic and artistic scholarship in the visual arts, the
performing arts, or creative writing.
Each
year, more than 3,900 candidates are identified for the academic component of
the program, based on having scored exceptionally well on the SAT or the ACT.
Approximately 20 females and 20 males are selected as candidates from each
state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from
families of U.S. citizens living abroad. In addition, each Chief State School
Officer may nominate five male and five female candidates, based on their
outstanding scholarship. For the arts component of the program, students are
initially selected based on their artistic ability.
To
confirm their interest and assist in the selection process, all academic and
arts candidates complete and submit candidacy materials for review, including
essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. A review
committee of qualified individuals experienced in secondary and post-secondary
education evaluates candidates on their academic achievement, personal
characteristics, leadership and service activities, and the quality and content
of their essay. Names and supporting materials of semifinalists are forwarded
to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars to further review, and
that Commission selects up to 121 Academic Scholars and up to 20 Arts Scholars.
All
scholars are honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C. in June.
During this trip, U.S. Presidential Scholars are guests of the Commission and
enjoy a chance to meet with government officials, educators, authors,
musicians, scientists, and other accomplished individuals. Scholars have the
opportunity to visit museums and monuments and attend recitals, receptions, and
ceremonies. To commemorate their achievement, the scholars are awarded the
Presidential Scholars Medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House. For
more information, visit ed.gov/psp.
The
13 finalists from Georgia public schools are:
-Benjamin
B. Chen, Campbell High School (Cobb County)
-Ryan
C. Chen, Brookwood High School (Gwinnett County)
-Kathryn
E. Duncan, Carrollton High School (Carrollton City)
-Tony
W. Gong, Northview High School (Gwinnett County)
-Eli
C. Guidry, Perry High School (Houston County)
-Furichous
J. Jones, Central High School (Carroll County)
-Justin
L. Lee, Northview High School (Gwinnett County)
-Megan
J. Paik, North Gwinnett High School (Gwinnett County)
-Yash
P. Shirsath, Grayson High School (Gwinnett County)
-Dain
Song, Lanier High School (Gwinnett County)
-Sida
Tang, Parkview High School (Gwinnett County)
-Austin
K. Wang, George Walton High School (Cobb County)
Rebecca
X. Yan, Lambert High School (Forsyth County)