"We are incredibly proud to celebrate our five academic Presidential Scholar candidates," said Dr. Brian Tate, Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal. "Congratulations to Henry, Ben, Emily, Eesha, and Laila on this well-earned honor. Their success is a direct result of their hard work and passion for excellence. These students serve as role models in our halls and beyond. I’m also grateful to our faculty and staff for their dedication to fostering such high-level student achievement."

Application is by invitation only. Students are invited to apply based on their scores on the SAT or ACT exam or their nomination by a Chief State School Officer, the year of their graduation from high school, and whether they are U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent U.S. Residents. Students who qualify will automatically receive applications. Applicants are narrowed to 650 semifinalists and then ultimately determined to be a recipient or not. Important milestones for remaining steps of the selection process include nominees completing the national Presidential Scholars application (February), semifinalists being announced (April), and national winners being announced (May).

Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive an all expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June for National Recognition Weekend featuring various events, enrichment activities, and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House sponsored ceremony. During their visit, Scholars have access to important national and international figures, including government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists, and other accomplished individuals.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, please contact the Dobyns-Bennett High School Counseling Office at (423) 378.8409 or www.ed.gov/psp.