DoDEA

ARLINGTON, VA — May 5, 2010 — Darren P. Eldredge, a student at Vilseck High School, Germany, was recently named a 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholar. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) student was among 141 students selected as Presidential Scholars.
Darren, a graduating senior, is the son of David and Ellen Eldredge. His father is the assistant principal at Grafenwðhr Elementary, and his mother serves as the secretary of the School Advisory Council at Vilseck High School.
Duane Werner, the principal of Vilseck High School, commented on Eldredge’s hard work and his dedication during his time at Vilseck.
“We are extremely proud of Darren. He has shown a commitment to excellence throughout his school career. Darren brings credit to the DoDEA system and shows that our students can compete with the ‘best of the best’,” said Werner. “Our congratulations to Darren, his teachers, and to his parents! He is an excellent choice for this honor.”
Presidential Scholars are represented by one male and female student from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Some are Americans living abroad, chosen at-large, or represent the arts. Eldredge was selected as a Presidential Scholar from the American Abroad category.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selected the scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, transcripts, community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Over the past 46 years the United States Presidential Scholars Program has recognized more than 6,000 students. This year 3,000 candidates qualified on the basis of exceptional performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exam, or by nomination through the nationwide Young Arts competition-sponsored by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. This is one of the Nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Students are eligible to participate in the program if they are U.S. citizens and will graduate or receive a diploma between January and August of the current program year. Applying to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only.
The Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments from 19-22 June during a National Recognition Week in Washington, D.C. The students also select an inspiring and challenging teacher to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in recognition events during National Recognition Week.
DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for Department of Defense (DoD) dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality, public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, the United States, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.
For more information on the Presidential Scholars Program please visit: www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html