Two high school seniors from Missouri are among 139 outstanding American students to be selected as 2008 Presidential Scholars.  All of the scholars will be honored June 21-24 in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced the selection of this year’s scholars on May 1.  Missouri’s winners are:

* David A. Levary Parkway Central High School, Chesterfield
* Kellyn N. Smith Saint Teresa’s Academy, Kansas City

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by Executive Order in 1964.  Each year, up to 141 graduating seniors are honored for their exceptional scholarship, leadership, talent in the visual and performing arts, and community involvement.

This year’s class of Presidential Scholars includes one young woman and one young man from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad.  In addition, there are 15 at-large selections and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

In April, eight other Missouri students were named semifinalists in the 2008 Presidential Scholars program.  They are:

* Adam D. Ariel Block Yeshiva High School, St. Louis
* Karina M. Bielecki Central High School, Springfield
* Amelia M. Chivetta Visitation Academy, St. Louis
* Daniel P. Cooper Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School
* Kristen Z. Liu Warrensburg High School
* Daniel M. Ni Rock Bridge High School, Columbia
* Elizabeth Y. Qin Parkway Central High School, Chesterfield
* David J. Westrich Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau

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