U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. will honor high school graduates named as 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars on Sunday, June 19, during a ceremony at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The scholars are among the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors with outstanding accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields, in addition to their leadership and public service. During the ceremony, each scholar will be presented with the Presidential Scholar Medallion, on behalf of the White House.
On Monday night, the scholars showcase their talents at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, featuring original artistic collaborations created, composed, arranged, written, and choreographed by student artists – with choreography and direction by legendary choreographer Debbie Allen.
Secretary King announced this year’s 160 U.S. Presidential Scholars on May 4. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, accomplishment in career and technical fields, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
This is the first class of career and technical education Scholars, after the President signed an Executive Order expanding the program last year.