News Release
April 19, 2005
Two DSA, two East High School Students Named Semifinalists In Prestigious US Presidential Scholars Program
Colin Stranahan, a graduating senior at Denver School of the Arts, is one of only two young artists in Colorado selected as semifinalists in the Presidential Scholar in the Arts as part of the 2005 Presidential Scholars Program. Another three Denver students - Lindsay Miller of Denver School of the Arts and Lindsay Pietruszewski and Benjamin Temple of East High School - are semifinalists in the academic portion of the program, which was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts.
Inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 41st year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Each year only 141Scholars nationwide, including up to 20 Scholars in the Arts, are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. This year, over 2,600 students are eligible for the program's academic component, based on outstanding scores on the SAT or ACT exam. Of these 121 will be selected as Presidential Scholars.
The arts semifinalists were selected for their exceptional performance in the disciplines of dance, film/video, instrumental music, jazz, voice, photography, theatre, visual arts and creative writing. Further consideration is based on students' essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts.
The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of some 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.
Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators, and other leading individuals in public life.
For more information about the Presidential Scholars program, call the Presidential Scholars Office at 319-341-2777, access www.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html or email PSP@act.org.