Indiana Students Selected as 2009 Presidential Scholars

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Two Indiana students have been named 2009 Presidential Scholars. Kevin Chaung of Kokomo and Amanda Williams of Newburg will be honored for their academic accomplishments in Washington D.C. this June. The scholars program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the nation’s most distinguished high school graduates.

“We could not be more proud that these outstanding students are being honored on a national level,” Bennett said. “Kevin and Amanda are wonderful examples of students who challenge themselves academically, and are role models in their communities.”

This year 141 Presidential Scholars were selected based on academics, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship and community service. A twenty-nine member Commission appointed by the President selects one boy and one girl from each state from a pool of more than 3,000 students from across the country.

In addition, each of the students selected has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to accompany them to Washington D.C. This year, Kevin, a senior at Kokomo High School South Campus chose James McCarter, Jr. of Burlington and Amanda, a senior at Castle High School, selected Leonard Sievers of Newburg. Along with their students, these teachers will be honored with a Teacher Recognition Award for their positive influence on these young scholars.

For more information about the Presidential Scholars Program, please contact 202-401-0961 or http://www.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html.