The 51st class of U.S. Presidential Scholars was announced yesterday by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The list recognizes 141 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics or the arts.

Two students from Indiana were among those honored: Beresford L. Clarke, a student at Homestead High School, Fort Wayne, and Anat P. Berday-Sacks, a student at Ida Crown Jewish Academy, Chicago, an Indianapolis native.

“Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards and commit themselves to excellence,” stated Duncan. “These scholars are poised to make their mark on our nation in every field imaginable. Their academic and artistic achievements reflect a sense of purpose that we should seek to instill in all students to prepare them for college, careers, civic responsibilities and the challenges of today’s job market.”

The 2015 Scholars are made up of of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, along with 15 chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the arts.

Created in 1964, the program has honored almost 7,000 of the country’s top students to date. A ceremony will be held June 21, at which each recipient will be awarded a Presidential Scholar Medallion.

Source: U.S. Department of Education