Published Tuesday, April 29, 2008 4:57 PM
Updated Tuesday, April 29, 2008 5:00 PM

 

Fort student named Presidential Scholar semifinalist

Kathryn N. Salkowski, a graduating senior at Fort Dorchester High School, has been named one of approximately 560 semifinalists in the 2008 Presidential Scholars Program.  The semifinalists were selected from more than 3,000 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, personal character, and involvement in community and school activities.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent citizens appointed by the President, will make the final selection of the scholars. Winners will be announced in May.  The Commission will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and US Students living abroad; up to 20 students representing the visual, literary and performing arts; and 15 students at large.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in the latter part of June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in various activities and events held in their honor.

The 513 semifinalists in the program’s academic component were initially selected as candidates for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment.

For the arts component of the program, 60 additional semifinalists were nominated by the National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts, which annually conducts a competitive, national talent search for over 6,500 young artists in a wide range of disciplines.  

A panel of distinguished educators chose the semifinalists after a review of students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts.