Seniors Recognized for Exceptional Performance on ACT/SAT
February 04, 2015
Duo of Shorecrest Seniors Named Candidates for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Seniors Paul R and Jackson W have been named two of approximately 3,900 candidates in the 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.4 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2015.
Florida had fewer than 100 candidates. Shorecrest is the only independent school in the Tampa Bay area with more than one candidate. Both students have been recognized because of their exceptional performance on the ACT and SAT.
Tom Dillow, Head of Upper School, said, "Their exceptional test scores tell only half the story. Both Jackson and Paul are intensely curious about the world, and they show genuine empathy in seeking to understand the ideas of others. Shorecrest could not be better represented."
Paul R has attended Shorecrest since kindergarten, following in his sisters' footsteps. He is a member of NHS among other Honors societies, a National Merit Semifinalist, a decorated varsity swimmer and plays saxophone in the concert and jazz bands. Paul also holds a number of leadership roles at Shorecrest including Vice President of the Executive Student Council, founding member of the Honor Council, and Senior Mentor.
Jackson W has attended Shorecrest since junior kindergarten and has a special family legacy at the school. His father, Bob, is an alumnus, and mother, Sally, is a former Shorecrest teacher. Jackson is an Eagle Scout and founding member of the Shorecrest Honor Council and he is pursuing the Global Scholars Initiative at Shorecrest. With a passion for art and culture, he's worked as a special intern to the Director of the Dali Museum and is an accomplished pianist.
About the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 51st 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.
Over 3,900 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. In addition, each Chief State School Officer (CSSO) was invited to nominate five male and five female candidates, based on their outstanding scholarship, residing in the CSSO’s jurisdiction. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 560 semifinalists in early April.
The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 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.
