Duo of Shorecrest Seniors Earn U.S. Presidential Scholar Nomination
Source/Author: Rachel Barrett, Director of Marketing & Communications
March 15, 2018
Mitchell Greene and Hunter Holland, both graduating seniors at Shorecrest Preparatory School, have been named candidates for the 2018 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 2018. Both Greene and Holland have been recognized because of their exceptional performances on the ACT/SAT.
Both Greene and Holland are National Merit Semifinalists, National Honor Society members, and talented musicians involved in Shorecrest's nationally recognized theatre program.
Mitchell Greene is a multi-talented musician, skilled in vocal performance, clarinet, and guitar. A talented actor, Greene has starred in a number of Shorecrest Theatre productions and has earned accolades at the Florida State Thespian Festival. He has also competed in the Central Florida History Bee/Bowl and Florida State History Day competitions.
Hunter Holland is the first chair clarinet player in the Shorecrest concert band. While Greene is an onstage talent of Shorecrest theatre, Holland makes magic behind the scenes. He has served as sound designer, spotlight operator, and technical assistant for a number of Shorecrest theatre productions. His academic passions are math and the physical sciences.
In addition to their shared love of music and theatre, both nominees are deeply involved in service to the greater community.
According to Assistant Headmaster and Head of Upper School Tom Dillow, "It is quite rare for a senior to become a Presidential Scholar nominee, but even more so for two of them in the same year! But it makes sense if you know Mitchell and Hunter. They are very bright and intellectually curious, and they maintain an unparalleled work ethic. We are very proud for both of them."
About the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 54th 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 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.
Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities.
For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can call the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office at 507-931-8345, or email [email protected].
