May 19, 2016
CLINTON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education announced today that two Mississippi students have been named 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selected Nathaniel Barlow, a senior at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, and Emma Knight, a senior at Corinth High School in Corinth, to receive the prestigious award. They are among 160 high school seniors nationwide who were selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas – academic and artistic success, leadership, and involvement in school and the community – and represent excellence in education.
“This honor recognizes the achievements of our nation’s most outstanding students who fully commit themselves to leadership, scholarship and excellence,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “I am proud of our Mississippi scholars and congratulate them for earning this national recognition.”
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored close to 7,000 of the nation's top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts
Barlow and Knight have been invited to travel to Washington, D.C. in June to participate in the National Recognition Program, which includes the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519