By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Two North Attleborough seniors have been chosen out of millions of students as part of the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Alicia Hawe and Dylan Desrosiers, both members of the Class of 2021, are among the 4,500 finalists for the program, which looks at over 3.6 million students expected to graduate in 2021. The program was established in 1964 to recognize the 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 and 2015 to include talent in the creative, and performing arts and career and technical fields.
Every school in Massachusetts is allowed to select two nominees for the program. Hawe was selected by the Chief State School Officer for academic performance and school/community involvement. North Attleborough High School’s head guidance counselor nominated Desrosiers.
“Alicia and I were lucky enough to be chosen at the state-level and were invited to compete at the national level,” said Desrosiers. “Only 26 students were selected at the state level.”
Hawe said it was a great honor to be nominated and it shows that hard work pays off. Desrosiers said his friend Moriah Lim received the award in 2017, someone that Desrosiers has always looked up to.
“The program recognizes students with great potential, and I strive to continue working hard and make the world a better place in the future,” said Hawe.
Now that they have been chosen as candidates, Desrosiers and Hawe will need to submit an essay, self-assessment, secondary school reports, and transcripts. A panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. If circumstances permit, scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony.
“No matter what happens next, I am just so thankful that I am even being considered as one of the US Presidential Scholars,” said Desrosiers.