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Two seniors named U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates
Feb. 17, 2020
Two district seniors have been named one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Jacob Harrison from Largo High School and Alexander Theophilopoulous of Tarpon Springs High School were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2020.
Students are selected based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors.
A panel of educators will now select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce those recipients in May. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen. Those selected will be invited to Washington, D.C. for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community.
Jacob Harrison
Alexander Theophilopoulous