Rio Slevin, a graduating senior at Yelm High School, was named one of 625 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars competition. The candidates were selected from nearly 5,000 candidates out of nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2024.
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
Next, the Commission on U.S. Presidential Scholars will review the applications of the semifinalists, and the final selections of the high school seniors who will be named the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced by Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. secretary of education, in mid-May.
The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the president, to recognize and honor some of the most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
