Local Presidential Scholar candidates announced
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 8 months AGO
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | February 26, 2020 1:00 AM
Six high school students in the Flathead Valley made the cut as candidates of the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate academic success, leadership, character 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.
Candidates are Glacier High School students Nina Friedman of Whitefish and Lucas Ritzdorf of Kalispell; home-school student Onan Henderson of Kalispell; Montana Academy student Francesca Frkonja and Stillwater Christian School students Caleb Fetveit of Lakeside and Tessa Harmon of Kalispell.
They are among more than 4,500 candidates selected.
A panel of educators will review submissions and select 600 semifinalists. Semifinalists will be announced in April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of citizens from across the country appointed by the President, will select scholars based on academic success, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Scholars will be announced 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 may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].
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