Eight students named candidates in 2020 U.S Presidential Scholars Program

Marta Leira, Print Editor-in-Chief

The following eight graduating seniors were named candidates in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program: 

Riley H. Bridges

Mason A. Carter

Dillon X. Geng

William Gleason

Michael Y. Han

Isabella Hoeger-Pinto

Julian N. Wemmie

William Y. Zhang

The U.S Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.  Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. 

“Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors,” Guidance counselor Kelly Bergmann said in an email.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors.

— Kelly Bergmann, Guidance Counselor

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 600 semifinalists in early April. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will make the final selection and announcement of up to 161 scholars in April.  All scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program, held in June in Washington D.C.

During this trip, U.S. Presidential Scholars are guests of the U.S. Department of Education and the Commission and enjoy an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with government officials, educators and other accomplished people.  To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.