Gilmour Academy Senior Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate

Press release from Gilmour Academy:

Feb. 15, 2021

Joe Rottinghaus ’21, of Willoughby Hills, was recently notified that he has been named a candidate for the United States Presidential Scholars Program. Of the nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2021, only 4,500 were selected for this honor.

The program was established in 1964 as a way to recognize some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and/or artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

Application to the program is by invitation only. Candidates then complete and submit candidacy materials for review, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports and transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Rottinghaus is currently undecided on his college, but plans to pursue a STEM-related degree.

This press release was produced by Gilmour Academy. The views expressed here are the author's own.