May 11, 2012
Jackson, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education would like to recognize four public, high school seniors chosen as semifinalists for the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. These are four of only 550 semifinalists chosen from across the country.
“What makes these students so special is they earned this honor not by just making good grades, but by their great leadership and work outside the classroom,” said State Superintendent, Dr. Tom Burnham. “They are making a positive difference in their schools and communities.”
The Commission on Presidential Scholars chooses honorees based on their accomplishments in academics and the arts as well as leadership and school and community involvement.
From the semifinalists, the commission will pick 121 academic scholars and 20 arts scholars. They will be honored in Washington D. C. this June. Presidential Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars medallion at a White House ceremony and will meet the president.
The four Mississippi semifinalists are as follows:
Charles McCrory, Florence High School
Andrew Mullen, Oxford High School
Charlotte Wang, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
Brian Xu, Starkville High School
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519