CREC Student Marissa Guzzo Named Candidate in U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Marissa Guzzo, a graduating senior at CREC Greater Hartford Academy of Mathematics and Science, Windsor, and Suffield High School, is one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2018. Marissa is the daughter of Paul and Kim Guzzo, Suffield.
A distinguished panel of educators will review the submissions and select 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens whom the President appoints, will choose the finalists. The U.S. Department of Education will then announce the Presidential Scholars in May.
The scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C. for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a White House-sponsored ceremony. They will also participate in events and enrichment activities through the National Recognition Program.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.