LW West Student Named Candidate In Presidential Scholar Program

NEW LENOX, IL — Alyssa Barta, a graduating senior at Lincoln-Way West High School, has been named one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2021, according to a release from the Department of Education.

Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities, the release states.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class.

A panel of educators will review the candidates and select 600 semifinalists in April. According to the release, the Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will
announce the scholars in May.

The program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many
areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community, a release states. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields, according to a release.

If circumstances allow, 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, a release states.