MURRAY, Ky. (AP) — Sarah Cauley, Sage Mize Harper, and Anthony Pfannerstill, seniors at Murray High School, have been selected as candidates in the 2024 United States Presidential Scholars Program by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the United States Department of Education. The trio is among approximately 80 Kentucky high school seniors chosen for this prestigious recognition.
Established in 1964 by executive order of the president, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program aims to honor some of the nation’s most distinguished high school seniors. Selection is based on academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. Out of 3.6 million high school seniors graduating this year, around 5,000 students from across the country have been chosen to participate in this program.
The Commission on Presidential Scholars will further narrow down the pool by selecting five hundred semifinalists. In the spring, up to 161 students, including one male and one female from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad, will be named as U.S. Presidential Scholars. These scholars will be honored at the White House later this summer.
Pfannerstill, an alumnus of Murray State University Commonwealth Honors Academy, is actively involved in various extracurricular activities including FBLA, Beta Club, Student Council, Leo Club, and Chess Club. He has received numerous local and national awards and plans to pursue further studies.
Mize-Harper, a recipient of the Governor Scholar for the Arts in film and photography, is a dedicated member of the Murray Tiger Band and has excelled in academic and extracurricular activities. She plans to attend Western Kentucky University to pursue her passion in film and photography.
Cauley, a prominent member of the Murray Tiger Band and the MHS Varsity Softball team, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic prowess. She plans to major in Social Work at Murray State University.
(Photo Caption: From left – Sage Mize-Harper, Tony Pfannerstill, and Sarah Cauley. #murrayschools)