Mercer Island High School (MIHS) senior David Emanuels was recently selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidate.

The Department of Education selects students to apply for the honor based on exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT exam or by nomination of a chief state school officer.

Over 3,900 candidates were selected. In early April, a panel of educators will select 560 semifinalists. Up to 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars will ultimately be chosen.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President, recognizes some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. The program offers finalists an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June for a White House medallion ceremony along with other special events and enrichment activities.

* This story was updated to correct that Emanuels was selected as a Presidential Scholars candidate, not a semifinalist as originally reported.