Adelaide Powell, a senior at Copenhagen International School (CIS), has received word that she is a semi-finalist for the status of US Presidential Scholar. 

The US Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognise and honour distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognise students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. 

“Third culture kid”
Powell calls herself a ‘TCK’ – a third culture kid. Born in Maryland, her mother’s job with the US State Department has resulted in her living and going to school all over the world. She credits this multicultural experience as a large part of her academic success.

“I have lived in NYC, Washington DC, Virginia, Moscow, Cape Town, Lilongwe [in Malawi), and now Copenhagen,” she said. “I have always loved school – each and every one that I have attended.  Moving around has given me a great appreciation for different cultures, lifestyles and people.”

An exclusive group
Out of 3.2 million high school graduates, just 3,900 are nominated to become one of 140 or so students who achieve the status of US Presidential Scholar. 

Students are invited based on test scores in their college board exams or a recommendation from their school.

“Being chosen as a candidate for the 2015 US Presidential Scholar Program is an unbelievable honour,” enthused Powell.

Journalism beckons
 “I am not sure where I will attend college, but I am looking forward to my next educational adventure.”

She already has a pretty clear idea of where she hopes to be once her academic adventures are behind her.

“I hope to be a journalist or work in the communications field because I strongly feel that everyone has a unique, valuable story that should be shared,” she said.

A trip to the White House
In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will review the applications of all semi-finalists. About 560 finalists from the initial 3,900 are selected, and that list is then whittled down to the final group of 140 selected to be US Presidential scholars.

All scholars are honoured for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program, which will be held in June in Washington DC.

US Presidential Scholars receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington DC to meet government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and others. 

To commemorate their achievement, the scholars are awarded the US Presidential Scholar medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

Thanks to her teachers
Powell credited the many educators she has worked with for helping her become such a strong student.

“I want to thank all of the wonderful teachers and faculty, especially at CIS, who have given so much to me. I will be forever grateful.”