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].