Joe was selected on the basis of his superior academic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. 

After competing with students at the state level, Joe has been selected as a representative for WA State. Please help us wish Joe well as he advances to the national semi-finalist round.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists out of the 3.6 million seniors slated to graduate throughout the country this year. 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, 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.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.