Justin J. Moore, a senior at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, has been named a 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholar by the U.S. Department of Education.  He was one of only two students in the state and the only area student to receive the honor.

In April, the U.S. Presidential Semifinalists were named, and Moore was the only East Baton Rouge Parish student to make that cut, as well.

Candidates were primarily selected for their exceptional performance on either the SAT or the ACT assessment exams.  The top 20 scorers in the state initially are nominated as candidates.  Further advancement is based on an arduous application process that includes several extensive student essays, in-depth self-assessments, thorough descriptions of activities and awards, leadership positions, school recommendations and school transcripts.

An Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction, Moore won six Science Olympiad medals this year -- three in regionals and six (three gold, three silver) at the state level.  Overall, he has won 11 medals in Science Olympiad.  He also placed first this year and last at the Chemistry Olympiad regionals and took first place in state and regionals in the Biology II Literary Rally.  In addition, he is the captain of his school’s Science Bowl team and led Baton Rouge High School to its first first place state finish in several years.   Moore has been awarded an Honorary National Achievement and a National Merit Scholarship.  He holds the AP Statistics Award and also has won awards in AP Chemistry, French V AP, English II and III Honors and American History Honors.

When not studying and winning various competitions, Moore conducted research with Dr. Jason Walker and Dr. Yong Hwan Lee at Louisiana State University on a cancer cure using oncolytic virotherapy and other modern gene therapy methods.  He submitted his work to the prestigious Toshiba ExploraVision Contest and won an honorable mention out of six regions nationwide.

“I feel extremely honored to receive such a prestigious award. Receiving this national honor has been exciting for both me and my school, which hasn't had a Presidential Scholar in many years,” Moore said.  “I believe that my work ethic and my determination have finally paid off, and I think that this is a wonderful culmination to my high school career.  I wish to thank my mother, Sherlita Moore, for all her valuable time, tireless effort and extreme commitment. I also would like to acknowledge my siblings, Aaron, Alyssa and Myla, for their undying support.”

The valedictorian of his senior class, Moore is president of the school’s National Honor Society, captain of the Tennis Team and a Magnet Ambassador.   He enjoys learning languages, speaks French fluently and currently is learning Spanish and Chinese.  In his spare time, Moore plays piano and is also interested in aviation and astronomy.  Moore plans on becoming a neurologist.

Outside school, Moore is involved with the American Heart Association, Remnant Church and more.  In the past, he has done volunteer work with the American Cancer Association and the Veteran’s War Home. 
 
The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the United States president, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors each year.   From nearly 3.2 million graduating high school seniors, about 3,000 students were identified as candidates for the prestigious program, and about 560 were named semifinalists.  Approximately 121 students were chosen as 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholars, the nation’s highest honor for graduating high school seniors.

A complete list of 2011 Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/programs/psp/awards.html.  Moore and Baton Rouge Magnet High Principal Nanette McCann can be reached at the school, (225) 383-0520.