Local High School Students Named Candidates for Presidential Scholars Program

Two students and one from are among four seniors that have been named among the more than 3,000 candidates in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.2 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2012.

Brennan T. Chang from Capistrano Valley High School, Josh D. Grossman from Aliso Niguel High School, Shana Hu from Dana Hills High School, and Derrick W. Xin from Aliso Niguel High School will now be considered to be included in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, 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, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.

“We are proud of the students who have advanced to candidacy for this prestigious award,” Superintendent Joe Farley said. “Their recognition and success illustrate the commitment to high quality education that exists in this school district. I am sure this is just one of many accolades these students will receive this year, and in the future.”

The 3,000 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the SAT or ACT. In addition, each CSSO)was invited to nominate one male and one female candidate, based on their outstanding scholarship, residing in the CSSO’s jurisdiction.

Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalists in early April.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of some 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will make final selection of the Scholars. They will select one young man and one young woman 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., for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators, and other leading individuals in public life.