Recently, a senior from East Noble High School, Dezaray Barr, was notified that she has been nominated by the state to receive the opportunity to be recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholar due to her academic excellence and involvement in school. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was a program created in 1964, by the President himself, with the purpose of recognizing “our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.” It is an honor to congratulate  Barr on her accomplishment, as it gives light to the hard work and absolute perseverance she has shown during her high school career and her involvement in activities such as National Honor Society, yearbook committee, and Theater Arts.

As of right now, there are ten students, five men and five women, in the program representing each state in the U.S., along with other specific areas such as Washington DC and Puerto Rico. At some point in the coming year, the students will submit an application and undergo an interview which will help Indiana narrow the decision to just two (or possibly more) students who will finally represent the state. In total, 141 students will be honored next year by receiving a trip to Washington DC to meet the president, and by bearing the title “U.S. Presidential Scholar.”

What really makes this program special is that it cannot be applied for. Barr was specifically nominated by Indiana based on her outstanding scholarship and ability to overcome adversities while still achieving success. Out of the thousands of graduating seniors in the United States, it is an honor to recognize one of our very own Knights and wish her the best of luck as she contends with Indiana’s other nominees.

Barr, when she received notice of her nomination, was very excited and grateful, saying,

” I’m so honored to have been named as a semi-finalist and I can only hope I move further in the competition!”

Proven by her incredible determination and willingness to go above and beyond in her high school career, Dezaray Barr has as good of a chance to receive the honor as any other student.

Information provided by http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html