Tolland High School Student Named Presidential Scholar Candidate

TOLLAND, CT — A student from Tolland High School has been declared a Presidential Scholar candidate by the U.S. Department of Education.

Eric Eckblom was among those named in a Wednesday announcement.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.