Two EHS students named Presidential Scholars candidates

Two El Dorado High School students were named as candidates for the Presidential Scholars Program for 2020.

The program, which was established in 1964, recognizes graduating high school seniors across the country for their academic achievement. Over the years, the program expanded to recognize students for talent in visual, creative and performing arts; as well as those who show ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The two students from EHS are Aidan G. Price and Scott A. Ratchford.

“The staff at EHS is thrilled that two of our seniors have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements by being chosen to apply for the Presidential Scholarship Program,” EHS Principal Sherry Hill said in a statement. “Only the students in the U. S. who excel among the top high school students are selected to apply. Scott and Aidan have already received recognition for their perfect ACT scores and for being National Merit Semifinalists, and this latest honor is quite prestigious. I am also happy to add that they are both outstanding young men.”

Students from every state and abroad were named as candidates for the program based on their SAT and ACT scores and how they matched up with other students from the same state. The 20 male and female students

with the highest scores are selected as candidates for the program. However, to be named as a finalist, students must apply.

Up to 161 students will be named as finalists and will receive an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. While there, students will receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House, and have access to national and international figures, including government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other accomplished people, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Price and Ratchford aren’t EHS’s first students named as candidates, though. Andrew C. Longinotti was named as a candidate in 2019 and El Dorado’s Katherine Conley was named as one in 2016, although neither were selected as Presidential Scholars.

According to the website, it is also possible students eligible for the

program are not listed as candidates as the department’s process for selecting candidates does not include obtaining updated SAT or ACT invormation. For those who believe they may be candidates based on their score, call 507-931-8345 and have personal information — including state of legal residence, full name, gender, date the test was taken and a copy of the test report — ready.

All applications to be named as a finalist, if not submitted online, are due by 5 p.m. CST Feb. 25 at the Saint Peter, Minn. address (it should be addressed as “U.S. Presidential Scholars Program / One Scholarship Way / Saint Peter, MN 56082”).

Parker E. Williams from Magnolia High School was also named as a candidate for 2020.