TWO SENIORS NAMED CANDIDATES IN U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

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January 30, 2021

For information on enrollment and registration at Notre Dame, please visit the admissions section of our website here.

Inclusion in the program is one of the highest honors given to graduating high school seniors.

Lars Boehme and Maria Donato, both seniors at Notre Dame Preparatory School, have been named candidates in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. They were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2021.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors given to graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Boehme and Donato were chosen along with about 4,500 others in the U.S. as candidates in the program.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Boehme, who also earned a perfect 36 score on his ACT last year, said he was humbled by news of the Presidential Scholar candidacy.

“I was extremely honored and excited to be recognized as one of top graduating seniors this year," he said. "It is a great glimpse into what the future may hold for me and the other candidates, especially in these unprecedented times.” 

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. If circumstances permit all Scholars are invited to Washington, DC, in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony. 

Donato is a regular behind the scenes of Notre Dame's various theatre productions and currently manages NDPlay, a branch of the computer club that organizes game tournaments for esports competitions. She said she appreciated being named a presidential scholar.

"I was certainly surprised. To be selected as a candidate for this level of recognition is such an honor, and I'm truly grateful for the invitation," she said.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. 

If circumstances permit, scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities. 

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents, students and the media can call the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office at 507-931-8345, or send an e-mail to psp@scholarshipamerica.org.

For information on enrollment and registration at Notre Dame, please visit the admissions section of our website here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.