Wilkerson named U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist
Adding to accolades which include being honored as the 2020 Putnam County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, Ben Wilkerson is in the running for recognition on the national scene.
The Greencastle High School senior was recently named as a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program for 2020.
Wilkerson is among 621 students to be so recognized in contention the prestigious honor. This was from a pool of around 5,600 candidates from across the country.
According to a press release announcing Wilkerson as a semifinalist, U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected, “on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.”
The Commission on U.S. Presidential Scholars, comprised of “eminent citizens” appointed by the president of the United States, is set to announce the finalists this month.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 through an executive order signed by President Lyndon Johnson, and has periodically expanded to include accomplishments in the arts and technical fields.