MSMS seniors Madison Echols, Claire Ellison, Nathané George and Vivek Nagarajan were invited to apply to the Presidential Scholars Program. 

The Presidential Scholars Program is a highly selective national program dedicated to recognizing the academic, artistic and technical achievements of high school seniors. Approximately 4,500 seniors from across the U.S. are invited to apply each year.

Ellison said they were excited at the opportunity to apply, despite not having expected it.

“I feel very special to be offered this opportunity and for the chance to represent my state,” Ellison said. “[Receiving the invitation to apply as a Presidential Scholar] was shocking, honestly. I had never heard of it and I did not do anything to apply, but I am happy to go through the long application for the chance to visit [Washington] D.C.”