Academic Magnet student named semifinalist for U.S. Presidential Scholar

State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman recently announced Academic Magnet High School senior, Nathaniel Schlosser, is one of ten South Carolina students to be named a semifinalist for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Nathaniel, or Nate as he is called by family and friends, is quite the accomplished student. From his rigorous course work and academic achievements, to his positions on the football and lacrosse teams, his service in the Spanish National Honors Society and as student body treasurer, and finally being an accomplished pianist, it is no wonder why he was nominated for this distinction.

A Charleston native and School of the Arts middle school graduate, Nate came to Academic Magnet to challenge himself academically and take advantage of the various opportunities the school has to offer its students. In addition to student council and sports during his time at Magnet, Nate has often participated in after-school programs with Spanish National Honors Society and his AP Spanish class where students from Magnet are paired with English as a Second Language (ESOL) students from Dunston Elementary to mutually help one another with language skills through literacy.

With plans to attend West Point in the fall and major in mechanical engineering, Nate hopes to not only gain a top-notch education, but also serve our Nation upon graduating from the Academy. Nate aspires to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and receive training in Special Forces to become a Green Beret. This summer for the senior will be short as Nate will report to West Point in late June to begin training with his fellow corps of cadets as they commit to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country and prepare for a career of excellence as a leader of character as one of the Academy’s graduates. While he has excelled academically, one of Nate’s favorite pursuits and passions is football. He hopes to play lightweight ball at West Point in between his studies and training as well.

“I am thankful for all of the support from my teachers and administrators at Magnet to help me develop over the four years I have been here,” said Schlosser. If there was one thing he could impart to younger students, it is, “to not be afraid to challenge yourself. If you don’t take the chances you have, you are never going to elevate yourself above being average. I think being willing to take chances and push yourself is important.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was expanded to include students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields (CTE). Up to 161 students are selected annually as U.S. Presidential Scholars, based on academic achievement and exceptional performance on the SAT or ACT. For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, visit www2.ed.gov/psp.

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools that span 1,000 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 86 schools and several specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district-wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities led by associate superintendents. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.

About Vision 2016

Vision 2016 is the next phase of Charleston Achieving Excellence, CCSD’s flagship reform initiative. The five-year plan aims to dramatically improve the achievement of every student in Charleston County and includes three fundamental goals: 1) close the achievement gap, 2) elevate achievement overall and 3) raise the graduation rate. These goals were developed through a series of community engagement meetings in partnership with the CCSD Board of Trustees.

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