U.S. Presidential Scholars Program names Clinton students as Candidates

The Clinton Courier

     Six Clinton students were recently named as U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidates. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by executive order of the President to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Just over a hundred Mississippi students were selected, and they will be candidates, along with several thousand other candidates from across the nation, who will be considered to be named one of up to 161 Presidential Scholars. The Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.

     Clinton students who have been named to the 2025 Class of Presidential Scholarship Candidates include Wilson G. Yi, who attends Clinton Christian Academy; Grayson Fortenberry, Faith C. Taylor and Owen McCleese, who attend Clinton High School; Aaron G. Zmitrovich, who attends the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science; and Theodore D. Klepman, who attends St. Joseph Catholic School.

     Application for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. Students may not apply individually to the program, nor may their schools nominate them. Invitations to the program are based on the student scoring exceptionally well on either the SAT or the ACT and being nominated by their Chief State School Officer (CSSO) or by a partner recognition organization based on outstanding scholarship. Students are evaluated for the program based on their accomplishments in academic success; leadership; service to school and community; scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts; and ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

     The Commission on Presidential Scholars will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce up to 161 Scholars in May. U.S Presidential Scholars are awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion each June.