For Immediate Release
Contact: Evelyne Girardet, (312) 573-4646
egirardet@latinschool.org

North Side Student Named Candidate in Presidential Scholars Program

James Davis, a graduating senior at The Latin School of Chicago, has been selected as a candidate in the 2002 Presidential Scholars Program. Davis is among 2,600 candidates chosen from a pool of 2.8 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2002.

Now in its 39th year, inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, and involvement in community and school activities.

The 2,600 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or ACT Assessment. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalist in early April.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars will make the final selection of the scholars. They will select one male student and one female student from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; 15 students at-large; and up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in May.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in activities with their elected representatives and educators.
For more information about James Davis, call Evelyne Girardet at (312) 573-4646. For more information about the program call (202) 401-1576 or go to the Presidential Scholars Web page at: www.ed.gov/offices/OIIA/Recognition/PSP/