Three high school seniors selected for recognition as Presidential
Scholars
COLUMBIA – Three South Carolina high school seniors are among the 139
outstanding students nationwide that have been selected as 2008
Presidential Scholars, according to federal Secretary of Education
Margaret Spelling.
The program was established in 1964 to honor seniors who have
demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, artistic excellence,
leadership, citizenship and service at school and in their community.
The Palmetto State’s award winners are Mary J. Murphy, a student at
the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Simpsonville;
Daniel L. DeMars of Spartanburg, a student at St. Joseph's Catholic
School in Greenville; and Kathryn N. Salkowski of Summerville, a student
at Fort Dorchester High School. They were chosen from a pool of 10
semifinalists from across the state.
“Presidential Scholars is not a scholarship program, but it is one of
the nation's highest honors for high school students,” Secretary
Spelling said. “The 139 young people selected this year represent
excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young
people.”
Murphy, DeMars and Salkowski will join their fellow Presidential
Scholars in Washington, DC, for recognition ceremonies June 21-24.
During that time they will meet with government officials, educators,
authors, musicians, scientists and others. They’ll also have the
opportunity to visit museums and monuments, and to attend recitals,
receptions and ceremonies.
To commemorate their achievement, Presidential Scholars receive a
special medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House. All
students are asked to identify the educators who have most influenced
them. Those teachers are also invited to attend a special reception
that recognizes and thanks them for their efforts.
In addition to the three winners, South Carolina students who qualified
as semifinalists for the award included:
● Allen E. Butt of Beaufort, a student at the Governor's School
for Arts & Humanities
● Russell E. Kooistra of Campobello, a student at Polk County High
School
● Francie N. Berger of Columbia, a student at Richland Northeast
High School
● Gina A. Noh, of Columbia, a student at Spring Valley High
School
● Xue Chi of Greer, a student at Southside High School
● Madison J. Barrett of Loris, a student at Pee Dee Academy
● Lean-Miguel P. San Pedro of North Charleston, a student at
Academic Magnet High School
