Cherokee Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholars Semi-Finalists

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Three Cherokee County School District class of 2021 seniors have been named finalists for a top national honor.

As semi-finalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, Koryn Todd of Creekview High School, Annelise Axelsson of River Ridge High School and Sophia Abbott of Woodstock High School are among only 700 students from the more than 3 million graduating seniors in the nation’s class of 2021 selected to advance in the prestigious recognition program. Only 18 students from Georgia were named semi-finalists.

“Congratulations to these exceptional seniors, their families and their teachers,” Superintendent Brian Hightower said. “They are impressive students, who have accomplished so much during their time in CCSD, both academically and through their school and community service and leadership. We’re very proud of you and look forward to seeing you advance to earn further recognition and many more successes in your future.”

The program was established in 1964, by executive order of the president, to honor and recognize extraordinary graduating seniors. Candidates for the invitation-only recognition program are initially selected based on outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT; semi-finalists and finalists are chosen based on an application that considers overall academic excellence, personal character, leadership and service activities. Additional recognitions are awarded for students who excel in the arts or in career and technical education; Annelise is a semi-finalist for the CTE honor.

The next level of recognition to be announced later this spring finalist. Last school year, of the 700 scholars semi-finalists, 161 students were named scholars and received national recognition and an invitation to an all-expenses paid trip to the White House.