Scrupps named Presidential Scholar semifinalist

ODESSA - Jacob Scrupps, a graduating senior at the High School here, has been named one of 625 semifinalists in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, according to a press release from the Presidential Scholars Office. The semifinalists were selected from over 6,000 expected 2024 high school graduates.

Scrupps is one of 12 seniors named semifinalists for the Program and is the only student attending a Lincoln County school.

Scholars are selected based on their accomplishments in academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and school/community involvement, the release said.

The Program was established by Executive Order of the President in 1964 to recognize distinguished seniors nationwide and was expanded to include accomplished students in the arts in 1979, the release said. It was expanded again to include career and technical students in 2015.

Up to 161 Presidential Scholars will be chosen this year and will be bestowed with a Presidential Scholars Medallion.

A group of up to 32 citizens appointed by the President make up the Commission on Presidential Scholars, who select the finalists.

Those finalists are expected to be announced in mid-May. Winners will be recognized with an online National Recognition Program in late June, the release said.