Thomas Pointer is candidate in U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Thomas Pointer, a graduating senior at Gainesville High School, has been named one of more than 4,000 candidates in the 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.  He is the son of David and Michelle Pointer of Gainesville.
The candidates were selected from nearly 3.5 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2017.
Scholars in the program, now in its 53rd year, are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Each year up to 161 presidential scholars are chosen for the program, which was established in 1964 by executive order of the president. The Presidential Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June for the national recognition program, concluding with the medallion presentations during a White House-sponsored ceremony. Eight hundred semifinalists will be announced in early April, and a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president will select the finalists, who will be announced in May by the U.S. Department of Education.

Thomas Pointer