Seniors Aidan McLaughlin and London Wharton have been selected as candidates for the 2020 United States Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. Aidan and London are among approximately 4,000 candidates nation-wide invited to submit an application for the program competition that annually recognizes up to 161 Presidential Scholars for their accomplishments.
The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors. The Program was extended in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talents in the visual, creative and performing arts and again in 2015 to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishments in career and technical fields.
To confirm their interest and assist in the selection process, all candidates must complete and submit candidacy materials for review, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports and transcripts. A committee reviews the materials and approximately 800 candidates will be named semifinalists later this spring and will continue on in the competition.
In April, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars reviews the applications of all semifinalists and selects 161 finalists who will be honored during national recognition events held in June in Washington, D. C.