Local Student: Pedro Bernal Named Candidate In U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Boca Raton, FL – Pedro Bernal, a graduating senior at Boca Raton Community High School, has been named one of more   than 4,500 candidates in the 2021 U.S Presidential Scholar Program. The candidates were selected from   nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2021. 

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program 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. 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to  recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many  areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to  recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing  arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and  accomplishment in career and technical fields. 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. If circumstances permit all Scholars are invited to Washington, DC 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 will review these submissions and select approximately 600  semifinalists in early April. 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. 

If circumstances permit, scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the  Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities.