US Presidential Scholars :::
Lyons Township High School seniors D. Bonistalli, J. Kelleher, A. Radtke, P. Schied and S. Thallji were recently named candidates in the 2009 United States Presidential Scholars Program.
Inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Up to 141 students are named Presidential Scholars from the 2,600 candidates identified based on superior academic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.
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S. Thalji is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout. He has also devoted time to
soccer and the math team at LT and is interested in a university that offers research opportunities
to undergraduates.
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J. Kelleher serves as secretary of the Math Team, president of the German Club,
and as a peer tutor. She is also a nine-year member of the Theatre of Western Springs. She hopes to
study civil engineering and German language.
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P. Schied is editor-in-chief of the Lion. He is a member of the Lacrosse team,
Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Greek Club, Class Board, and is an active member in
his church youth group, Crossroads.
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A. Radtke hopes to pursue a career in research chemistry. He has a wide range of
interests, including music, athletics, travel, and computers and works a part-time job. He plays
the guitar and drums, and is largely self-taught.
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D. Bonistalli is considering a career in engineering or aerospace. He serves as a
Community Extension Project teen leader and homework tutor. He is a member of the soccer, math and
tennis teams.
Some 2,600 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 submissions and select 500 semifinalists in April.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of some 30 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will make final selections 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; up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts; and 15 students at-large. The U. S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in May.
Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C. in June to receive the Presidential Scholars
medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in activities with their elected
representatives, educators, and others in public life.