BSM Student Named Presidential Scholar Candidate

Jack McGinn, a senior, has been named one of more than 3,000 candidates in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.2 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 48th 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.

The 3,000 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the SAT or the ACT. In addition, each Chief State School Officer (CSSO) was invited to nominate one male and one female candidate, based on their outstanding scholarship. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalists in early April.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president, will make final selection of the scholars. They will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; 15 students at-large; and up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts. 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. They will also participate in events and activities with their elected representatives and educators

McGinn is used to excelling in school—last fall, on the ACT.