Schools
Simley Senior Gets Presidential Honor
Avery Garon, a senior at Simley High School has been named a candidate for the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Garon and 2999 others were selected out of 3.2 million high schoolers set to graduate this year. Inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors for high school students.
Presidential scholars are chosen based on academic performance, essays, artistic achievements, leadership, community involvement, and school activities. Garon, the son of Stacy and Jon Garon of Mendota Heights, scored a perfect 36 on the ACT.
If Garon makes the final cut, he will go on an all expenses paid trip to Washington DC to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a special White House Ceremony, and meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other distinguished Americans.
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Garon might not be the only Simley representative in Washington. As a Presidential Scholar, he would be asked to pick the teacher who has influenced him most. That teacher would accompany him to the nation’s capital to participate in the events and receive the Teacher Recognition Award.
But Garon has a long way to go before he can make his travel arrangements. 500 semifinalists are chosen in April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a 32 member panel picked by the President, will then choose one young man and woman from each state. The Department of Education will announce the winners in May.