HIGHLIGHTS OF NATIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK 2006 INCLUDE AN EAST ROOM MEETING WITH PRESIDENT BUSH
In May, 2006 U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced the selection of 141 outstanding American high school seniors as the year's Presidential Scholars. According to an unbroken 42-year Executive Branch tradition, these students were selected for having demonstrated broad academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community, and were honored for their accomplishments in Washington, DC, during the Presidential Scholars Program's National Recognition Week celebrations held June 24th-27th, 2006.
“Our high school graduates must have the skills to succeed in college and the 21st century marketplace,” Spellings said. “The 2006 Presidential Scholars embody the academic excellence, innovative thinking, and technological fluency our students need in order to meet the challenge of a changing world and keep America’s competitive edge. They remind us of the great potential residing in all our nation’s youth. Their leadership skills and commitment to serving others will make them valuable contributors to our country’s future, and the world’s.”
The 141 Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at large and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. A 27-member Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President George W. Bush, selected the Scholars on the basis of academic achievement, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of leadership, good citizenship and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
The 2006 National Recognition Week events included community service, educational seminars, a dinner recognizing excellence in teaching, conversations with Cabinet officials and distinguished program alumni, an exhibition of Scholars artwork at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and a performance in the Concert Hall of the Kennedy Center by the Presidential Scholars in the Performing Arts. On Monday, June 26th the Scholars, Commissioners and special guests visited the White House to meet with President Bush in a private East Room ceremony. |
