Sen. Helming: Canandaigua Academy Student Nominated for Presidential Scholars Program

Senator Pam Helming today announced that Canandaigua Academy School senior Kevin Dennis has been nominated by New York State Education Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. Senator Helming had recommended Kevin to the Commissioner for nomination.
 
“Kevin is a terrific candidate for the Presidential Scholars Program. Kevin is a leader who excels both in and out of the classroom and is well respected by his peers and his teachers and administrators. He is most deserving of this recognition and I extend my congratulations to Kevin for being nominated for this prestigious honor. I wish him well as the process continues and I am confident he will be successful in his future academic and career endeavors,” Senator Helming said.
 
Kevin is currently a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and a member of the National Honor Society.  Outside of the classroom, Kevin is a member of the school swim team and cross-country team. He also serves as the president of the school choir and has earned all state and all county honors for choir.
 
According to Canandaigua Academy High School Counselor Michelle Jones, who recommended Kevin to Senator Helming, Kevin is considered to be a “shining star” at his school and is an exceptional candidate for this scholarship program as he is driven, compassionate, kind and funny.
 
Kevin is one of 25 high school seniors from across New York State whom Interim Commissioner Tahoe nominated for the program, a list that includes 10 male students, 10 female students, and five career and technical education students. The Presidential Scholar recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Every year, one young man and one young woman from each state are named as Presidential Scholars.
 
“I am so excited for Kevin and proud of all he has accomplished.  Kevin is a model student and citizen and is an exceptional candidate for the Presidential Scholarship.  I am excited to see what he accomplishes in the future!,” said Michelle Jones, High School Counselor, Canandaigua Academy.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, and school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Semifinalists will be notified in mid-April and Scholars will be notified in May.