Columbia, SC – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman announces that three South Carolina students have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars.

“I am proud to recognize these students for winning this national honor,” said Spearman. “They join an elite group of high-achieving seniors across the country and are excellent representatives of their school districts. Their families should be very proud of this award,” concluded Spearman.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was expanded to include students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. This year, the program was expanded to include students in career and technical education fields (CTE). Up to 161 students are selected annually as U.S. Presidential Scholars, based on academic achievement and exceptional performance on the SAT or ACT.

Scholars are recognized with an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital as part of the recognition program. They are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a White House-sponsored ceremony. Superintendent Spearman has sent all three students a letter and a certificate, which was cosigned by State Board of Education Chairman Mike Brenan.
Here are South Carolina’s 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars, including their schools and districts:

Jessica L. Marlow
Dorman High School
Spartanburg Six

Jonathan J. Michala
Eastside High School
Greenville District

Karen R. Zhao
Riverside High School
Greenville District
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