On Sunday night, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will give remarks and participate in the medallion ceremony honoring the 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholars at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. He will congratulate the scholars, among the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors, for their outstanding academic and artistic achievements, their leadership, and their 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 will be feted again at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in another of several events during the National Recognition Program, which is held in their honor. The Kennedy Center Performances will feature original artistic collaborations created, composed, arranged, written, and choreographed by student artists.
Secretary Duncan announced the 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars of 2014 on May 5. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.