Plainfield South High School senior Amanda Swanson and Plainfield North High School senior Sierra Lopezalles are among about 4,000 candidates nationwide for the 2016 Presidential Scholarship award program.
The candidates were chosen for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or ACT college entrance exams.
Among numerous other achievements, both Swanson and Lopezalles scored a perfect 36 on their ACT college entrance exam.
As well, Swanson is a 2015-16 National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist.
Presidential Scholarship candidates are also chosen for their talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, leadership, involvement in school and the community, and for accomplishment in career and technical fields.
As well, each Chief State School Officer could nominate 10 male and 10 female candidates living in their jurisdiction, based on the students’ outstanding scholarship.
Further consideration is also given based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations and school transcripts.
A panel of distinguished educators will select about 800 semifinalists in early spring. In April the Commission on Presidential Scholars comprising eminent citizens appointed by the president in will review all semifinalists’ applications and choose up to 161 final Scholars.
The United States Department of Education will announce the 2016 Presidential 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 with their elected representatives, educators and other leading individuals in public life.