(KAIR)--An Atchison County student has been named as a candidate in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

According to a news release, Sarah Kimmi, of Lancaster, a graduating senior at the Atchison County Community High School, is one of more than 4,500 candidates who are selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate high school this year.

Kimmi is the daughter of Gene and Angie Kimmi.

Other local area students have also been named as candidates, including Riley Buss, of Grantville, who attends Jefferson West High School; Sidney Fleek, of Wathena, a senior at Troy High School, and Hunter Steinlage, of Seneca, who attends Nemaha Valley.

Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

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.

All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program.

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.

A panel of educators will review the submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April.

According to the release, 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.