American Heritage Schools is pleased to announce that 23 students from the Class of 2023 (Broward Campus, 16 and Palm Beach Campus, 7) have been nominated for the Presidential Scholars award, making American Heritage Schools the No. 1 school in Florida for the highest number of Presidential Scholar candidates. Being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar is considered one of the nation’s most prestigious academic awards for high school graduates. You can see the full list of this year’s class here.

• The Broward campus is the #1 school in Florida with the highest number of Presidential Scholar candidates

• The Palm Beach Campus is the #1 school in Palm Beach county and #2 private school in Florida with the highest number of Presidential Scholar candidates

• 11% of all Presidential Scholar Candidates in the state of Florida are from American Heritage Schools.

The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from United States high schools in 2023. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

“Achieving Presidential Scholar status is one of the highest academic honors bestowed upon a graduating high school student,” said Dr. Doug Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “We are proud to have 23 students qualify for this prestigious nomination. Each student exemplifies extraordinary achievements, strong character, and community involvement, and their work and continued pursuit of excellence are admired.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of the 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.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

 U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program in Washington D.C. each June. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House sponsored ceremony.