PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS ANNOUNCED FOR 2003 

By Scanews staff

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige announced the selection of 137 outstanding high school seniors as the 2003 Presidential Scholars.

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MO - Columbia - Doris Lin, David H Hickman High School, Columbia, MO.Most influential teacher: Dixie Grupe, Columbia, MO.

MO - Kearney - Wesley H. Greenblatt, Kearney R-1 Senior High School, Kearney, MO.Most influential teacher: Jeanie Williams, Kearney, MO.

MO - St. Louis - George H. Capps, Saint Louis Priory School, St. Louis, MO.Most influential teacher: Charles Ritchie, Saint Louis, MO.

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The scholars, who are recognized for their achievements in academics or the arts, will visit Washington, D.C., June 21-26, to be honored at a recognition ceremony where each will receive a Presidential Scholar medallion. 

"These young Americans are proof of what students can achieve when met with high academic standards, challenging expectations, and high-quality teaching," Paige said."They have excelled in their classes and extracurricular activities, shown leadership and character, and contributed to their communities. These scholars are examples to us all of the great potential that lies within our children and our schools."

A 32-member Commission on Presidential Scholars made the final selection from a field of over 2,600 candidates. Appointed by the president, the commission is comprised of leaders in education, medicine, law, social services, business and government.

The 2003 Scholars represent the 39th 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, community service and commitment to high ideals. 

The 137 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, with an additional 15 scholars chosen from at-large.Another 16 are being recognized particularly for their accomplishments in the visual, literary or performing arts. These scholars in the arts are selected by the commission from students chosen through the annual nationwide Arts Recognition and Talent Search(ARTS), conducted by the program's non-profit partner, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been able to invite the teacher who has most inspired him or her to excel to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the program's National Recognition Week.The teachers also receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Education Department.