Feb 10 2020
Shirley Sharp, a graduating senior at Central High School, has been named a Career and Technical Education candidate as part of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Sharp was nominated by her teachers, counselors, and principals based on her outstanding achievement in Engineering.
Sharp was chosen for an internship through the Southwire Engineering Academy along with only seven students from Carroll County Schools. She has been recognized as a leader among her peers with many accolades. They include: 2019 Outstanding Engineering Student, 2019-2020 Girl Engineering Speaker, and 2018-2020 Engineering Student Ambassador. Sharp not only excels in the classroom and in her community, but she also has been a four-year varsity starter for Central High School’s softball team and track and field team. Her sports career has given her multiple other leadership opportunities including: 2016-2019 CHS Leadership Club, 2019 CHS Softball Team Captain, and 2019-2020 CHS Outstanding Senior.
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.
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 161 Scholars in May. Of these, up to 20 will be selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.
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.
For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, visit PSP@scholarshipamerica.org.
