Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

Each year, the United States Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. This year, Perry Naseck ’18 and Kevin Feng ’18 are among the 630 students nationwide to be named semifinalists. Each achieved semifinalist status through different paths of consideration. Earlier this year, Perry was named a finalist in the design art category of YoungArts and recently advanced to be one of 60 Arts Scholars finalists. Roughly 20 Arts Scholars finalists are eventually named Presidential Scholars in the Arts. 

 

Kevin was selected as a national semifinalist by a committee of education experts convened by the Department of Education’s Commission on Presidential Scholars. Kevin’s selection was based on his academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of his entry essay. 

 

“I feel that being named a semifinalist is a recognition of not only my personal achievements but also the support that St. Mark’s has given me over all of these years,” Kevin said. “Through the amazing education and all of the extracurricular opportunities I’ve received, St. Mark’s has been the catalyst for my growth and allowed me to reach my highest potential. I appreciate all of the teachers I’ve had at St. Mark’s, as their guidance has been invaluable for not only my academic studies, but also for helping me grow up as a young man.”

 

In May, the Commission will select up to 161 U.S Presidential Scholars who will be recognized during the National Recognition Program, held in June in Washington, D.C.

 

“We are all incredibly proud of both Kevin and Perry,” said David W. Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster. “This is a remarkable honor for these two boys, and it is deeply gratifying to see our students recognized for their hard work, commitment to excellence, and creativity.”

 

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of President Lyndon Johnson. It was amended in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter to include awards for “Special Capability in the Visual and Performing Arts and in Creative Writing.”