MHS Senior Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist

From the Millburn Township School District

Chanthia C. Ma, a graduating senior at Millburn High School has been named one of approximately 550 semifinalists in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The semifinalists were selected from more than 3,300 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, personal character and involvement in community and school activities.

In April, Ma, along with two other Millburn High School seniors, William Krinsman and Henry Meng, were selected as candidates for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Candidates were selected based on exceptional scores on either the SAT or the ACT college admission test. Semifinalists were chosen by a panel of distinguished educators after a review of students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts.

Among her many achievements, Ma was a semifinalist in the 2012 Intel Science Talent Search Competition as well as a National Merit Finalist and she received an Honorable Mention for her Senior Portfolio in the 2012 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

Final selection of the Scholars will be made by the Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent citizens appointed by the President, and will be announced later in May.

The Commission will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. students living abroad; up to 20 students representing the visual literary and performing art; and 15 students-at-large.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C. in June to receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in various activities and events held in their honor.