Becca Mighell, a graduating senior at The Cambridge School of Dallas, has been named one of more than 3,900 candidates in the 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Approximately twenty females and twenty males are selected as candidates from each state. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.4 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2015. The Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. In honoring the U.S. Presidential Scholars, the President of the United States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of high potential.
In addition to scoring a perfect 1600 on the Reading and Math sections of the SAT, Becca has maintained straight-A's throughout her high school career. She serves as the Head Prefect at Cambridge, while also pursuing her passion for acting, singing and dance. She has appeared in numerous school, community and professional theater productions throughout the Dallas area. Next year, Becca will be attending The Helmerich School of Drama at The University of Oklahoma. She has been named an OU Scholar.
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 51st year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Application is by invitation only; students do not apply individually to the program, nor do their schools nominate them.
Over 3,900 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 560 semifinalists in early April.
The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will make final selection of the Scholars. They will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; 15 students at-large; and up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.
All Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during National Recognition Program, held in June in Washington, D.C. During this trip, U.S. Presidential Scholars are guests of the Commission and enjoy an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other accomplished people. Scholars have the opportunity to visit museums and monuments, and to attend recitals, receptions and ceremonies. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.