Debbie Darrow, a graduating senior at John F. Kenney High School, 2855 S. Lamar St., has been named one of 14 semifinalists from Colorado in the 2003 Presidential Scholars Program.

Nationwide, 500 semifinalists were selected from more than 2,600 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, personal character and involvement in community and school activities.

Final selection of the scholars will be made by the Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent citizens appointed by the President and will be announced in May. The commission will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and US students living abroad; up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts; and 15 students at large.

Students chosen as Presidential Scholars receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC in the summer, during which they meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other accomplished people. During the week, scholars have the opportunity to visit museums and monuments and attend recitals, receptions and ceremonies. To commemorate their achievement, the scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

The 500 semifinalists were initially selected as candidates for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. For the arts component of the program, semifinalists were nominated by the national Foundation for Advancement of the Arts, which annually conducts a competitive, national talent search.