Eight seniors from around the Flathead Valley have been named candidates of the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate academic success, leadership and service to school and community. The scholars program, established in 1964, is considered one of the highest honors given to distinguished graduates, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Area candidates include Columbia Falls High School students Annabel Conger and Colin Norick; Flathead High School students Isabelle Cuthbertson, Alex Naglich and Oliver Volz; Glacier High School student Graham Friedman; Polson High School student Sierra Garcia; and Montana Academy student John Savage.

They are among more than 4,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidates, selected from nearly 3.5 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year.

A panel of educators will review submissions and select 800 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists. The U.S. Department of Education will announce scholars in May. Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony.

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.