Presidential Scholarship program includes MV’s St. Clair among 2010 candidates
February 25, 2010

Jeffrey St. Clair of Mount Vernon, a graduating senior at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, has been named one of about 3,000 candidates in the 2010 Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.2 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year. Jeffrey is the son of Cindy Strong and Marty St. Clair.

The Presidential Scholars Program was established by executive order of the president in 1964. Scholars are selected based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in school and community activities.

The 3,000 candidates were selected for their performance on either the ACT or SAT. Further consideration is based on students' essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations and school transcripts. A panel of educators will review the submissions and select 500 semifinalists in April.

The final selection of scholars - one young woman and one young man from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad - will be announced by the U.S. Department of Education in May. There will also be 15 students selected at-large and 20 students from the creative and performing arts.