Rocky Hill School Senior Named Semifinalist in U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Malcolm Meyerson of Kingston, RI, a graduating senior at Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, RI, has been named one of 689 semifinalists in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Meyerson and the other semifinalists were selected from nearly 4,700 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2016.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 52nd year, is 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.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Malcolm’s accomplishments at Rocky Hill School,” said Head of School Peter M. Branch. “As a U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, as well as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and three-season athlete, Malcolm exemplifies the School’s motto, “Know thyself.”

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 many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. 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. 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. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

A distinguished panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected 689 semifinalists. 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 later this month.

About Malcolm Meyerson

Earlier this year, Malcolm was named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist by officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In 2014 he received the Rocky Hill School French Scholar Award and was inducted into the National French Honor Society. That same year Malcolm also was inducted into the National Honor Society. He is a three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, earning multiple end-of-season awards. Malcolm was selected as the Class Scholar in his freshman and sophomore years. He continues to challenge himself academically by taking five AP courses during his senior year. Malcolm will attend Brown University in the fall.

About Rocky Hill School

Founded in 1934, Rocky Hill School is an independent, country day school for grades preschool through 12. Located on 84 acres overlooking Narragansett Bay, Rocky Hill focuses on innovative teaching and an interactive educational experience that prepares students to become leaders and lifelong learners.