A Fayetteville-Manlius High School student has earned one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating seniors.
The United States Presidential Scholars Program recently named F-M senior Elijah Taeckens one of its 621 semifinalists for this year. High school seniors are selected for the program on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
Candidates are automatically identified for the program based on their academic success and SAT or ACT scores. The application process is by invitation only. Students cannot be nominated for the program or apply on their own.
Semifinalists are selected by a distinguished panel of educators. This year, there were nearly 5,600 eligible candidates.
The program was established in 1964 under the Executive Order of the President to recognize the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Up to 161 scholars are chosen from the semifinalist program to participate in the National Recognition Program, which includes attending the Presidential Scholar Medallion ceremony at the White House.