NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 7, 2019
JACKSON, Miss. – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the 55th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.
The two Mississippi public school students recognized were:
- Ruben Manasseh Banks, Jackson – Jim Hill High School
U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education - Hamilton Wan, Starkville – Mississippi School for Mathematics & Science
The Mississippi private school student recognized was Eliza Phillips Burnham at Jackson Preparatory School.
Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, said the students, their families and schools should be proud of this national honor.
“This accomplishment is worthy of celebration, and the students who earned this distinction demonstrate what diligence and commitment to academic and personal excellence can bring,” she said.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos stated, “I want to congratulate this year’s class of Presidential Scholars on their achievement both inside of the classroom and out. Their hard work and commitment to excellence, no matter what challenge they are tackling, will serve them well throughout their lifelong learning journeys. I have no doubt that many of tomorrow’s leaders are among this year’s class of Scholars.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the 2019 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ competition.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the Arts and 20 Scholars in Career and Technical Education.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
The 2019 ceremony will be held June 23, when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion.
A complete list of 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars follows and is also available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.
