The North Penn School District (NPSD) is proud to recognize North Penn High School (NPHS) senior Catherine Cavanaugh for being selected as a finalist in 57th class of the
U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by the U.S. Department of Education.
Catherine is among 161 students selected nationally and one of only three selected in the state of Pennsylvania for this competitive program. Catherine and her fellow scholars will receive a medal in the mail and will be honored for their accomplishments virtually (due to COVID-19) during the National Recognition Program held in June in Washington, D.C.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 6,000 candidates qualified for the 2021 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation's nationwide YoungArts™ program. Applications for the program are invitation only.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the arts and 20 Scholars in career and technical education. Approximately 800 candidates were named semifinalists and forwarded to the Commission for further review. In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars reviewed the applications of all semifinalists based on the same criteria used by the review committee and selected 161 finalists.
Earlier this year, Catherine was also recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) as a
National Honor Society Finalist and winner of a $5K Scholarship, as well as a
Coca-Cola Scholarship regional finalist and
U.S. Youth Senate Program finalist.
She is the founder of
The Spanish Translation Project, a website to help students with Spanish and English language education. The project helps English as a Second Language students with educational content by translating health, biology and chemistry information. It also provides knowledgeable tutors for students having difficulties in Spanish classes and with the English language, especially due to virtual learning caused by COVID-19.
Congratulations to Catherine Cavanaugh on this distinguished honor.