2 Cranston Students Named Semifinalist For Presidential Scholarship

CRANSTON, RI — Two students from Cranston were among the 620 semifinalists in the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

John Soscia, a graduating senior at graduating senior at Cranston High School West, is one of the semifinalists. The other is Kalliana Marek, a homeschooled student.

This year's semifinalists were selected from over 5,000 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year. The finalists will be selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 58th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas, including academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character, and involvement in school and the community.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service to school and community. The program 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.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. Each year, Scholars are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion, with this year’s online National Recognition Program scheduled for June.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2022 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement in late June with an online National Recognition Program.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can call the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office at 507-931-8345, or send an e-mail to PSP@scholarshipamerica.org.