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S.C. Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Senior Named Presidential Scholar Semifinalist
April 28, 2009
Sarah Lancaster, a senior at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM), was recently named a semifinalist in the Presidential Scholars Program.
Established in 1964, the program recognizes and honors some of the most distinguished graduating high school seniors in the United States based on factors such as SAT and ACT scores, and leadership and service activities.
In December, Lancaster, a York native, was one of three GSSM students to earn a perfect score on the ACT. Last spring, while a GSSM junior, she was awarded a Disney Minnie Grant to launch E5 Youth, a community service campaign.
“I feel honored to be one of only 560 students chosen nationally as a semifinalist (for the Presidential Scholars Program,)” Lancaster, 17, said. “I balance my social life with my academics and extracurricular activities. It just worked out how well my interests meshed.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site, Presidential Scholars will be announced in early May.
Students chosen as Presidential Scholars receive an expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. in June, where they meet national and international figures, including government officials, educators, authors, musicians and scientists. They also receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.
Lancaster, the daughter of David and Debbie Lancaster, attended York Comprehensive High School prior to attending GSSM. She plans to study biology at Duke University in the fall.
Located in Hartsville, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics is a public, two-year early college experience for academically talented and motivated juniors and seniors.
