Two QCHS students Presidential Scholar candidates
Raymond Slifer, who also attends Upper Bucks County Technical School, is one of two Quakertown students to become a candidate for the Presidential Scholars Program.
The two QCHS students are among more than 4,500 students invited to apply for the program by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, which said the candidates “represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.” Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Of the invitees, 175 are from Pennsylvania. Matt and Raymond are among only 21 Bucks County students to receive an invitation. They are the only two from Upper Bucks County. In addition to Quakertown, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Neshaminy and New Hope-Solebury are the other Bucks County districts to have students invited. The George School and LaSalle College High School are also represented.
“This is both a very rare and extraordinary honor for these students, and I’m so proud of them,” Principal Mattias van’t Hoenderdaal said. “These accomplishments don’t happen by accident. They have worked very hard to receive these invitations, which are a testament to their efforts, and the outstanding job our teachers are doing in the classroom. Matt and Raymond are developing themselves into responsible adults and will have wonderful opportunities in the future. They are fine examples for our students to follow.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. To be eligible to advance, students must fill out an application that includes essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports and additional documents by February 24.