A Union-Endicott High School Senior has been named one of just a few hundred semifinalists from around the country for the national Presidential Scholars Program. Jared Welch was nominated by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo for the program’s Career and Technical Education component. Welch was one of approximately four thousand original nominees and has now been named a semifinalist for the program.

“Being a Presidential Scholar is among the highest recognitions a student can receive and being nominated is an honor itself,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “Jared’s accomplishments both in and out of the classroom speak for themselves: he will graduate in the top five of his class, an academic honor he earned while also participating in varsity athletics, a number of school clubs, and working a part-time job. His hard work and dedication will certainly lead him to success in college and beyond.”

The Presidential Scholar recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Each year, one young man and one young woman from each state are named as Presidential Scholars. Dozens of students from across the state were nominated by their State Legislators and Welch was one of just 25 advanced by the State Education Department.

“This nomination is really a blessing,” Welch said. “I’ve worked so hard the last four years and I’m thankful that it has culminated with one big happy sendoff. To be considered as one of the best high school students in the country is an incredible honor and I’m grateful to Assemblywoman Lupardo for her nomination.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Scholars will be notified in May.

Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive a trip to Washington, D.C. in June and the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House. During their visit to Washington, scholars will meet important national and international figures, including government officials, educators, authors, musicians and scientists. Scholars are provided opportunities to: discuss issues that concern America and the world; attend recitals, receptions and ceremonies held in their honor; visit Washington, D.C. area museums and monuments; and forge friendships with their peers from across the country.

Established in 1964 by executive order of the President, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program further was expanded to recognize student excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.