Two Students Nominated for Presidential Scholar Program

From Katy ISD Communications:
Two Katy ISD students are among an elite 3,000 graduating seniors who have been selected as candidates in the 2009 Presidential Scholars program.

Inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 45th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed on graduating seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The two Katy nominees, Isaiah Smith and Yo (Eric) Li, are both students at Cinco Ranch High School. Smith is the son of Brackin and Patti Smith. Li’s parents are Qunfang Li and Yan Wen.

Smith and Li were selected from nearly 2.8 million high school seniors, based on their exceptional performance on either the SAT or the ACT. A panel of distinguished educators will review candidates’ essays, self-assessments, activities, school recommendations and transcripts to select 500 semi-finalists, who will be announced in April.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of 32 citizens appointed by the President, will make the final selection of Presidential Scholars, which will be announced in May. The group will include one boy and one girl from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. students who live abroad, plus 15 selected at-large and up to 20 chosen from the creative and performing arts. Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C. in June to receive a medallion at a formal recognition ceremony. During the trip, they will also participate in events and activities with elected representatives, educators and other leading public officials.