Seniors Tully Liu, Parker Vakili Named Semifinalists in the US Presidential Scholars Program

Archmere Academy seniors Tully Liu and Parker Vakili have been named semifinalists in the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Tully and Paker were selected from nearly 5,300 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2019. Archmere had two students out of the nine Delaware semifinalists.

 

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 55th 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.

 

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All scholars are invited to Washington, D.C. in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House – sponsored ceremony.

 

A distinguished panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected the semifinalists. 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 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.