Nine seniors are candidates in 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Nine students in Richland School District Two are competing to be some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. They are candidates in the prestigious and highly competitive U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

The district’s candidates in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program are:

•  Annabelle V. Manville, Blythewood High School
• Eva D. Pendleton, Blythewood High School
• Sanvi Divekar, Spring Valley High School
• Jackson L. Dowey, Spring Valley High School
• Shrihan Ganesh Babu, Spring Valley High School
• Abagail B. Greer, Spring Valley High School
• Jisoo Lee, Spring Valley High School
•  Iraine Y. Taine, Spring Valley High School
• Ryan C. Young, Spring Valley High School

These students are among more than 100 candidates in South Carolina and thousands nationally competing in the program. The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize 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.

Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Last year, Cathy C. Tang of Spring Valley High School was named a 2023 U. S. Presidential Scholar.