West Fargo, ND – (May 2, 2022) – Samuel Ruona, a student at West Fargo High School, is among nine North Dakota students who have been selected as Presidential Scholar semifinalist candidates by the U.S. Department of Education.

In January, over 5,000 high school seniors nationwide were identified as candidates in the program, with 620 now being selected as semifinalists. Candidates were chosen because of their exceptional performance on the ACT/SAT college entrance exams or were nominated by North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler for their academic success. From the nine semifinalists from North Dakota, two will be selected as the state’s 2022 Presidential Scholars.

Those selected to be the state’s two Presidential Scholars will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June to meet with educators and government officials and receive their Presidential Scholar medallion.

ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. 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 fields.

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