Presidential Scholars

The Presidential Scholars Program is a recognition program honoring outstanding graduating high school seniors. It was put in place in 1964 by an Executive Order from President Lyndon Johnson. At that time, he emphasized that this program should do more than reward excellence. It should also be a means of nourishing excellence. The program was to be a way to stimulate achievement. It was hoped that having such a program would give students a goal to work toward during their high school years. This entry describes the Presidential Scholars Program's goals, the process of application, and the characteristics of Presidential Scholars.

Students who score extremely high on either the SAT or the ACT are invited to apply for the program. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, and community service activities. The Commission on Presidential Scholars selects one male and one female from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as representatives from families of U.S. citizens living abroad. There are also 15 students chosen at large for a total of 121 Presidential Scholars. In 1979, President Carter expanded the program to include an additional 20 students in the arts. Students being considered for the Arts Program submit evidence of artistic accomplishment in the form of videos or manuscripts. They are judged in the categories of dance, music, music/jazz, music/voice, theater, photography, visual arts, and writing. The selected students are known as Presidential Scholars in the Arts. During the 1980s, President Reagan refined the selection process to emphasize the elements of leadership and community service.

The 121 Presidential Scholars receive a trip to Washington, D.C., in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a White House ceremony. In 1969, it was decided that the design of the medallion would be the Great Seal of the Nation. Presidential Scholars Recognition Week activities include meetings with national and international leaders, discussions of relevant issues with government officials and elected leaders, meeting accomplished people in a variety of fields, participating in community service activities, and attending recitals and receptions. Time is also scheduled during the week to visit the various museums and monuments in the nation's capital. The week culminates with the White House Awards Ceremony. Even so, many Presidential Scholars will tell you that the best and most lasting part of the experience is the opportunity to exchange ideas with other accomplished and highly motivated peers. During the week together, many friendships develop that will last a lifetime. Students often refer to themselves as becoming members of the Presidential Scholars family.

For many years, the American Association for Gifted Children had a role in the Presidential Scholars Program. Their 1994 study of the Presidential Scholars suggested that the students developed their talents and abilities because of the encouragement of teachers and parents. All of the scholars are asked to nominate a teacher who [Page 705]inspired them and guided them in developing their talents and abilities. By 1998, the Distinguished Teacher award was renamed Presidential Scholars Program Teacher Recognition Award. This designation recognizes the educational excellence of outstanding teachers.

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