Presidential Scholars Announced for 2001

US Education Department Press Releases

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced the selection of 141 outstanding high school seniors as the year 2001 Presidential Scholars. The scholars, who are recognized for their achievements in academics or the arts, will visit Washington, D.C., June 23 - June 28, to be honored at a recognition ceremony where each will receive a Presidential Scholar medallion. "These students have consistently achieved to high standards both in the course of their academic studies and in various extracurricular activities," Paige said. "This year's scholars have taken advantage of the opportunities that high school has to offer and serve as examples to us all of the opportunities that lie within education and within our schools." A 32-member Commission on Presidential Scholars made the final selection from a field of 2,600 candidates. Appointed by the president, the commission is comprised of leaders in education, medicine, law, social services, business and government. The 2001 scholars represent the 38th class of Presidential Scholars and join more than 4,800 past honorees. The scholars were selected on the basis of broad academic achievement, including SAT or ACT scores, essays and transcripts, as well as evidence of leadership, character and commitment to high ideals. Of the scholars, 20 are being recognized particularly for their accomplishments in the visual or performing arts, or creative writing. The 20 arts scholars are selected by the commission from students who participated in an Arts Recognition and Talent Search, conducted by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. The 141 winners include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad. Another 15 scholars are chosen at-large, and 20 of the awardees are scholars in the arts. Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been able to invite the teacher who has had the greatest impact on his or her academic success to also travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the recognition ceremony. The participating teachers also receive a certificate of excellence from the U.S. Education Department.

NOTE TO EDITORS: List of Presidential Scholars follows.

2001 Presidential Scholars