East Baton Rouge Parish School System has two candidates for this year’s United States Presidential Scholars Program, Justin J. Moore and Paxton M. Turner.  Both are students of Baton Rouge Magnet High School. 

The students were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment exams.  Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, description of activities, school recommendations and school transcripts. 

Inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors.  Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in the community and school activities.  The Commission on Presidential Scholars will make the final decision on who eventually will be named a Presidential Scholar – one male and one female student from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and areas abroad where students reside; 15 students at-large; and up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts. 

The U.S. Department of Education will announce the 500 national semi-finalists next.  The up to 141 finalists (also known as Scholars) representing high schools from across the United States will be invited to Washington, D.C., in mid-June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony.  For more information about the program, call (319) 341-2777 or log on to http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html or http://www.presidentialscholars.org/scholars.asp.