Two Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates - from East Greenwich and Kingston
Rocky Hill School is proud to announce that two of its seniors have been named candidates in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Mary McKenney of East Greenwich and Malcolm Meyerson of Kingston were two of more than 4,000 selected candidates from nearly 3.3 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2016.
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 52nd 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.
“We are all very proud of Mary and Malcolm,” said Head of School Peter M. Branch. “They represent a strong senior class and exemplify the School’s motto ‘Know thyself.’ Given Rocky Hill School’s small student to teacher ratio (5-1), they will have a great advantage in their application to be named U.S Presidential Scholars.”
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.
A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 800 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. Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities.
About Mary McKenney
Mary has been one of the top students at Rocky Hill since she entered the Upper School in the ninth grade. Since that time, she has taken eight AP courses. Last year, Mary earned the distinction of Class Scholar for the highest overall level of academic achievement. She participated in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra as a 1st violinist in the symphony division during her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Mary played for four years on the field hockey team and served as captain this past fall, plus she played three years of basketball. In 2014 Mary was inducted into both the National Honor Society and the National Latin Honor Society.
About Malcolm Meyerson
In September 2015, Malcolm was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist by officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In 2014 he received the Rocky Hill School French Scholar Award and was inducted into the National French Honor Society. That same year Malcolm also was inducted into the National Honor Society. He is a three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, earning multiple end-of-season awards. Malcolm was selected as the Class Scholar in his freshman and sophomore years. He continues to challenge himself academically by taking five AP courses during his senior year.
About Rocky Hill School
Founded in 1934, Rocky Hill School is an independent, country day school for grades preschool through 12. Located on 84 acres overlooking Narragansett Bay, Rocky Hill focuses on innovative teaching and an interactive educational experience that prepares students to become leaders and lifelong learners.
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