Every year, an group of nearly 3,900 students across the country are chosen from over the 3.4 million expected to graduate for the United States (US) Presidential Scholars Program.

Established in 1964, this program was founded to recognize and honor students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts or students who scored exceptionally well on either the ACT or SAT. Up to 141 students are named Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Some of these amazing students roam the halls of Lafayette every day.

Seniors Brenan Cullimore, Vinithra Madapoosi and Erin Newcomer were three of the nearly 4,000 students across the country nominated.

However, there is more work to be done to receive the award than just accepting the nomination.

“At first I had no idea what it was, but once I found out I got really excited,” Madapoosi said, “I don’t really know too much about this other than the fact that I have to write some essays to continue in the competition.”

In April, 560 semifinalists will be chosen. At the end of it all, one male and one female high school student will be selected from each state to be chosen as a Presidential Scholar.

There are also 15 students selected at-large, and even up to 20 students will be chosen from the creative and performing arts. The final announcement will come in May.

Once winners are chosen, they get to travel to Washington D.C. to attend a ceremony and receive a medal in their honor. Winners also get the chance to meet the President.

The Presidential Scholars Program is an amazing opportunity to recognize some of the great students each school has, and allows them to realize their great potential for the future.