(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- Nine Kentucky students have been selected as semifinalists for the 2004 Presidential Scholars Program, the United States Department of Education announced today.
Nationwide, nearly 550 semifinalists were chosen from a pool of approximately
2,700 high school seniors identified as candidates for the program. Presidential
Scholars candidates are chosen based on their academic and artistic success,
leadership and involvement in the school and community. SAT and ACT test scores also
are used to select candidates.
Kentucky's semifinalists are:
- Joanne E. Luckey, Columbia (Adair County High)
- Jennings Y. Xu, Lexington (Paul Laurence Dunbar High, Fayette County)
- Daniel M. Goldman, Louisville (Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan)
- David D. Jsa, Louisville (duPont Manual Magnet High, Jefferson County)
- Katherine E. Klem, Louisville (Assumption High)
- Kristen M. Schenk, Louisville (Academy of Our Lady of Mercy)
- Emily A. Vitale, Louisville (duPont Manual Magnet High, Jefferson County)
- Adam C. Weis, Louisville (duPont Manual Magnet High, Jefferson County)
- Kevin H. Wilson, Shelbyville (Shelby County High)
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize
and honor the nation's distinguished graduating seniors. In 1979, the program was
expanded to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship and talent in
the visual, creative and performing arts.
Each year, up to 141 students are chosen to become Presidential Scholars.
Later this month, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will review the
semifinalists' applications and select the finalists. The scholars will be honored for their
accomplishments during National Recognition Week, held in June in Washington, D.C.
For more information on the program, click here.
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