Six selected from VHHS as Presidential Scholars Program candidates

Six students from Vestavia Hills High School have been named as candidates in the 2015 United States Presidential Scholars Program, the most of any school in Alabama.

The students, Philip Wang, Spencer Haynes, Lynn Han, Shirley Zhang, Luke Hogewood, and Sam Tindall — are now in the running for one of the highest academic honors in the nation. No more than 141 students are named as Presidential Scholars each year.

“We are very proud of these students for earning the honor of being Presidential Scholar candidates,” VHHS Principal Tim Loveless said. “These students are leaders in and out of the classroom, and we look forward to seeing them recognized on a national level for their achievements.” 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by former President Lyndon Johnson to recognize distinguished high school seniors who excel in academics or the arts. Application is by invitation only. 

The finalists will be chosen in early May, according to the Department of Education. Finalists will be flown to Washington, D.C. over the summer to meet the President and receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion in a special ceremony at the White House.