GILLETTE, Wyo. — A student from Wright Junior Senior High was recently named a candidate in the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.
That’s according to a release from the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office, which states that Carter Lembke, a graduating senior, has been named one of the 5,000 candidates for the program.
The release states that the candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school in the United States.
“Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors,” the release states. “Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.”
The release notes that the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964, the result of an Executive Order of the President, designed to recognize the country’s most distinguished graduating seniors. The program recognizes students who excel in academic success, leadership and service to school and community. The program expanded in 1979 to recognize students who found success in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, it expanded again to include students who find success in career and technical fields.
“A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April,” the release states. “The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce scholars in May.”
