Named Semifinalist In Presidential Scholars Program




Michael J. Abatemarco

Michael J. Abatemarco

Michael J. Abatemarco, a graduating senior at Garden City HS, has been named one of approximately 560 semifinalists in the 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars program. The semifinalists were selected from more than 3,000 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, personal character, and involvement in community and school activities.

Final selection of the Scholars will be made by the Commission on U.S. Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent citizens appointed by the President, and will be announced in May. The Commission will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; up to 20 students representing the visual, literary and performing arts; and 15 students at-large.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C. for several days in the second half of June to receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in various activities and events held in their honor.

The 560 semifinalists in the program’s academic component were initially selected as candidates for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. For the arts component of the program, 60 additional semifinalists were nominated by the National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts, which annually conducts a competitive, national talent search of over 6,500 young artists in a wide range of disciplines.

Semifinalists were chosen by a panel of distinguished educators after a review of students essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts.


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